It is no secret that Barcelona are currently hard at work trying to get their hands on Julian Alvarez this summer, with the Argentine emerging as the club’s top attacking target.
With Robert Lewandowski likely leaving the club in the summer and uncertainty looming over Marcus Rashford’s continued stay at Camp Nou, signing a top striker like Alvarez has become the need of the hour.
Barcelona, though, are yet to make a breakthrough as Atletico Madrid have appeared adamant about keeping hold of their star player. That is where personal connections often become a key factor.
Niagara Sports emerging as a key player
According to Diario SPORT, agency Niagara Sports, which is led by Andy Bara and Juanma Lopez, is growing in influence at Barcelona and could prove pivotal in any potential move for Alvarez.
The agency already has a strong track record with the Catalan club, having been involved in the arrivals of Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia in recent years.
Barcelona are keen on signing Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
They also represent Victor Munoz, the Osasuna winger who has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in Spanish football this season.
Crucially, Juanma Lopez maintains an excellent personal relationship with the leadership at Atletico Madrid – a connection built during his own playing days at the club.
It is this direct line to the red-and-white hierarchy that could prove decisive in any negotiations over Alvarez.
Niagara also maintains links with the entourage of Alvarez himself, meaning the agency has potential access to both clubs and the player’s camp simultaneously.
For Barcelona, who have so far been unable to find a way past Atletico’s resistance, having a trusted intermediary with influence on both sides of the negotiating table could be the breakthrough they have been waiting for.
