Xavi Hernandez

Barcelona’s 2021/2022 season could have looked very different had the club made a different choice in attack. It has now emerged that Julián Álvarez was a genuine option for Barcelona during that winter window, but manager Xavi Hernández ultimately chose to prioritise the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City — a decision that continues to spark discussion among fans and analysts as both players’ careers have unfolded in contrasting ways.

At the time, Barcelona were navigating one of the most delicate periods in their modern history: financial restrictions were tight, the squad was transitioning after the departure of Lionel …