Julian Alvarez is poised to leave Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in a significant transfer deal valued at up to €95 million (£81 million, $104 million), according to multiple reports on Tuesday.
This move marks a substantial profit for the English champions, who acquired the Argentine forward for just £14 million from River Plate in January 2022.
Rise to Prominence
Since his transfer to Manchester City, Alvarez has had a remarkable ascent. Initially, he returned to River Plate on loan for six months before making his mark in Europe. Alvarez’s tenure at City saw him contribute to Argentina’s triumphs in both the World Cup and Copa America, and he played a crucial role in City’s consecutive Premier League titles and their Champions League victory.
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Impressive Stats and Achievements
Alvarez, 24, has scored 36 goals over two seasons with Manchester City. Despite his impressive tally, he often found himself in the shadow of Erling Haaland, who was Guardiola’s first choice for the striker position. This situation limited Alvarez’s playing time but did not diminish his impact when he took to the field.
Record-Breaking Sale
Manchester City will benefit from a club-record sale with Alvarez’s departure. The significant transfer fee underscores the young striker’s value and potential. However, his exit means City might need to explore the transfer market for a suitable backup to Haaland during the final weeks of the transfer window.
New Chapter at Atletico Madrid
Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid offers him an opportunity to be the primary striker, especially following the departure of Spain captain Alvaro Morata to AC Milan.
Under the guidance of fellow Argentine Diego Simeone, Alvarez is expected to thrive and take on a leading role as Atletico aims to challenge La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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Atletico Madrid is bolstering its squad after a fourth-place finish last season. The club has already secured key signings, including Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand and Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth. In addition, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is reportedly close to finalising a £33 million move to the Spanish capital, further strengthening Simeone’s options.
Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid is not just a lucrative deal for Manchester City but also a strategic acquisition for Atletico as they aim to compete at the top tier of Spanish football. The young Argentine’s arrival in Madrid is highly anticipated, promising to bring fresh energy and talent to Diego Simeone’s squad.
