Julian Alvarez reignites Barcelona talk after reacting to Rodri farewell

Julian Alvarez has added fresh intrigue to his future by liking Manchester City’s first farewell video for Rodri, shortly after the Spain midfielder completed his move to Barcelona.

The reaction came as Alvarez continues to seek a way out of Atletico de Madrid and pursue his ambition of playing for the Catalan club. Manchester City’s video, posted on its social-media accounts, featured highlights from Rodri’s seven years at the Etihad Stadium and carried the message: “Thank you, Rodri 🩵”.

Although a social-media “like” may appear insignificant, Alvarez’s decision has attracted attention because it comes at a sensitive moment for the Argentina forward. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Rodri has now achieved the move Alvarez has been attempting to secure for several months.

Rodri ended his Manchester City career after deciding he wanted a new challenge. The English club subsequently reached an agreement with Barcelona for the midfielder to join the La Liga side.

Alvarez, meanwhile, remains at Atletico de Madrid despite making clear that he wants to change clubs and fulfil his dream of wearing the Barcelona shirt.

The forward outlined his position during the World Cup, saying: “The best thing for both sides is to move, and I want to achieve my dream.” He did not name Barcelona directly at the time.

Since then, Barcelona have continued trying to create the conditions for a deal, while Atletico de Madrid have maintained a firm stance and shown no willingness to let Alvarez leave easily. The transfer therefore remains complicated, despite the player’s continued desire to depart and his preference for Barcelona as his next destination.

Different paths for former Manchester City team-mates

Alvarez’s response to Rodri’s farewell has carried additional significance because the two players were team-mates at Manchester City during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

They shared the dressing room during one of the most successful periods of Rodri’s career. In 2024, Rodri won the Premier League with Manchester City, played a central role in Spain’s European Championship triumph and ended the year by receiving the Ballon d’Or.

Two years later, Rodri is beginning a new challenge with Barcelona, while Alvarez faces a very different situation after his hopes of joining the Catalan club collided with Atletico’s resistance.

Manchester City gave Rodri a prominent send-off, publishing several videos and features covering his time at the club. The tributes also included a message from Rodri to the supporters, an image of the midfielder with the Ballon d’Or, a design displaying all of his trophies and a collection of photographs from his Manchester career.

Alvarez’s “like” was attached to the first video published by Manchester City in tribute to Rodri.

The gesture has been interpreted as an indirect reminder of the contrasting routes taken by the two players. Manchester City previously agreed to Alvarez’s move to Atletico de Madrid when the forward felt the time was right for a new experience. He now faces greater difficulty in attempting to return to Barcelona and realise his latest ambition.

Rodri’s move to Barcelona also comes in the aftermath of Ferran Torres’ departure from the club.

During Rodri’s presentation as a new Barcelona player, he was asked about Alvarez’s situation but declined to discuss the future of his former team-mate in detail.

“I do not tend to talk about players who do not belong to the club. I can only say that he is a very good player and can add a lot to any team, because he is one of the best players,” Rodri said.

He added: “I know Deco and his team are working to build the best possible squad, and that is down to them.”