Manchester City have sealed a club-record sale for Julian Alvarez – a player they bought two years ago for a little over £14 million – to Atlético de Madrid for £82 million.
This sale surprised a lot of fans because Alvarez seemed to be enjoying his time at Manchester City and Pep Guardiola also expressed confidence in the 24-year-old as an important player for his side.
Although Alvarez spoke previously about his disappointment at being the second-choice behind Erling Haaland, there was no reason for him to leave the club where he has found so much success.
Atlético’s approach must have made him see the prospects of being a starting striker in a club in the top five European leagues. The fact that the club is Spanish, his first language, and that they are managed by his countryman Diego Simeone, would have also played a big role in convincing him to move.
Recent reports, however, claimed that the move almost did not happen. The player and the club had a small disagreement over his fees despite all being finalised between both clubs. Fabrizio Romano reported that Alvarez and the club had different figures in their minds and that there was a difference of around €3 million in what each other thought they had agreed to.
The holdup was also affecting the deals Atléti had for Conor Gallagher and Samuel Omorodion with Chelsea. All has been settled now and the LaLiga side have also progressed with their talks with Chelsea and their deals for Gallagher and Omorodion.
Alvarez will sign for five years as a Rojiblancos player. The fan base of the club are thrilled with the signing, seeing it as a signal of real intent to challenge the powers that be in LaLiga.
Fabrizio Romano has also spoken about City’s replacement plan for the 24-year-old striker. “Man City will now look at options to replace Alvarez, for sure,” the journalist said.
“It could be a striker, but I would not be surprised if they end up considering also wingers and maybe playing with a false nine when Erling Haaland will not be available. Talks are taking place internally to decide on the next move, so we will have to wait and see the outcome of those discussions.”
Alvarez was also reported to be averse to the weather in Manchester and it was believed to be a major reason for his move to Atléti.
