Last summer Ricky Álvarez was in Brazil alongside Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentina squad for the World Cup. One year on and the 27-year-old is waiting on a FIFA decision to determine his future after Sunderland and Internazionale try and wash their hands of him and leave him for the other. Unwanted and potentially left without a club in his footballing prime it is a hefty fall from the youngster that caught the eye of European scouts when playing for Vélez Sarsfield only a few years ago. Now it would appear that San Lorenzo, back in the Argentine Primera, could provide the only alternative and the opportunity to rebuild his career.

In his early twenties, Ricky Álvarez lit up the Primera and helped Vélez to Clausura titles in 2009 and 2011 and with purported interest from Arsenal it was Inter Milan that won the race for this signature in a deal worth €12.8 million. After three seasons at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Álvarez was included in Alejandro Sabella’s 2014 World Cup squad with his career progression following a controlled upward curve.

However, at the end of the subsequent transfer window, Inter decided that Álvarez was surplus to requirements and was sent out to Sunderland on a season-long loan deal. This stipulated that if Sunderland remained in the Premier League they would make the transfer permanent for an agreed fee of €10.5 million. Dick Advocaat did indeed steer Sunderland to safety but it would be difficult to make much of an argument to say that Álvarez played much part. Less than twenty appearances in all competitions, only five starts and the last of those coming in March give a clear indication of how little an impact Álvarez made on wearside.

Understandably, Sunderland have since been reluctant to pay the agreed figure after claiming that he spent most of the season on the treatment table rather than the pitch. Inter, however, remain resolute in their stance – the deal was agreed and with a year left on Álvarez’s current deal this is the only way they will recoup anything like that amount of money.

With the two clubs at an impasse, FIFA will be required to decide on the outcome. Álvarez and his agent are hoping that the contract with Inter is rescinded and as a free-agent he will be able to go elsewhere and this is where title-chasing San Lorenzo step in.

The transfer window in Argentina has already closed but given that San Lorenzo sold Gonzalo Verón to MLS side, New York Red Bulls they are permitted to bring in a replacement before Thursday September 10th. Los Cuervos have already discussed this with the player and his representative and they are keen to make the switch provided FIFA give the all-clear.

With a deal edging closer, manager Edgardo Bauza was asked about Álvarez and remained tight-lipped: “We will see what happens. If he arrives, he will need to adapt but he is a good player.”

Certainly if San Lorenzo could get Álvarez back to anywhere near the form he showed earlier in his career it would be a significant boost to their title hopes.