Manchester City have struck a deal worth up to £81m with Atletico Madrid for striker Julian Alvarez.
This transfer marks a record sale for City with an initial €75m fee potentially increasing through various clauses. The Spanish side is now working to settle personal terms with the Argentinian World Cup winner.
Despite scoring 19 goals in 54 appearances last season, Álvarez often played second fiddle to Erling Haaland.
In the 2023/24 season, his contribution was critical to their success, as he stepped up when Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were sidelined, finishing with more playing time than virtually anybody else on the club.
Having also won the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina during this time, the 24-year-old has a remarkable resume as he prepares to join La Liga.
Alvarez allegedly intended to play more as a centre striker, a position that is less available at City now that Haaland is fit, which drew interest from Atletico Madrid, who have now agreed to sign him.
Julian Alvarez was always eager for a more prominent role and is now set to join an Atletico side that has also signed Alexander Sorloth and defender Robin Le Normand this summer. The move will allow him to shine as a leading striker which is a position he rarely held at City.
City signed Alvarez from River Plate for £14m in 2022 making a substantial profit on the 24-year-old.
Alvarez leaves having won the Premier League, Champions League, Copa América, and World Cup. With his departure, City might look to strengthen their squad further in the attacking department before the transfer window closes.
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Julian Alvarez stats 2023/24
Last season, Alvarez made 54 appearances in all competitions for City, scoring 19 goals and assisting 13 times.
He was instrumental in Pep Guardiola’s side winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup in 2022/23, making City only the second English team to accomplish the feat.
| Competition | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 36 | 11 | 9 |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| FA Cup | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Community Shield | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total 23/24 | 54 | 19 | 13 |
Julian Alvarez Contract, Wages/Salary
Alvarez has yet to accept personal terms with the Spanish club, but his City contract is expected to be over £100,000 per week.
According to reports, his contract with Madrid will last five years.