Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is reportedly leaving the Premier League champions for Atletico Madrid to play in LaLiga, just two years after joining the English club.
Both clubs have reached an agreement on a transfer fee that could amount to €95 million with add-ons, making Alvarez Manchester City's record sale and placing him among the top sales in English football history, according to The Athletic. This move also represents a significant profit for Manchester City, who signed the Argentine international for just €21.4 million in January 2022.
Alvarez first made a name for himself in Argentinian football, rising through the ranks at River Plate, where he scored 54 goals and provided 31 assists in 122 appearances. His impressive form led to his move to Manchester City, where he has been a valuable player, contributing 36 goals and 18 assists in 103 games. However, despite his success, Álvarez has struggled to secure a consistent starting role at Manchester City, often playing as a second striker or attacking midfielder rather than his preferred centre-forward position.
One of the main reasons for Alvarez's decision to leave Manchester City is his limited playing time in his preferred role. Last season, Alvarez accumulated 3,481 minutes across all competitions, but eight other players, including star striker Erling Haaland, received more playing time. Of the 54 appearances Alvarez made last season, only 22 were in his preferred position as Manchester City's No. 9. This situation contrasts sharply with his time at River Plate, where he played as a centre-forward in 52% of his appearances and where he plays for the Argentinian national team.
Manchester City's abundance of attacking options, including Jack Grealish, Jérémy Doku, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne, has made it challenging for Alvarez to secure a consistent role. This situation, coupled with his desire for more playing time, has prompted Alvarez to seek new opportunities. Atletico Madrid offers Alvarez a clear path to regular football, especially after the departures of Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay, who have left the club this summer.
With young centre-forward Samu Omorodion reportedly heading to Chelsea and Joao Felix aiming for a move to England, Alvarez will compete with a 33-year-old Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth for a starting position in Atletico's attack. Atletico Madrid is reportedly eager to make Alvarez their second-highest transfer signing ever, behind Felix, suggesting that new manager Diego Simeone plans to build his squad around the 24-year-old striker.
The transfer negotiations between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City faced challenges, with disagreements over Alvarez's base salary and contract length. However, an improved offer from Atletico satisfied Alvarez's demands, and he is now set to sign a five-year contract at Metropolitano Stadium. The final agreement, valued at £82 million (€95 million), makes Alvarez Manchester City's record sale.
Alvarez's transfer to Atlético Madrid is expected to impact other transfers, with Chelsea's Conor Gallagher anticipated to join Atletico and Saul Omorodion possibly moving to Chelsea. After an extended season, which included appearances at the Copa America and the Olympics, Alvarez will take a brief holiday before completing the formalities of his move to Madrid.
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