Man City’s Alvarez Set to Join Atletico in €95 Million Deal

Julian Alvarez is on the verge of leaving Manchester City for Atletico Madrid, with reports on Tuesday indicating a deal valued at up to €95 million (£81 million, $104 million).

Alvarez, 24, joined City from River Plate in January 2022 for just £14 million. Since then, he has rapidly ascended, contributing to Argentina’s World Cup and Copa America triumphs, as well as winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League with City.

After initially returning to River Plate on loan for six months, Alvarez scored 36 goals in two seasons at City. During his time in Manchester, he played a key role as Pep Guardiola’s team became the first to win four consecutive English top-flight titles. However, he often played second to Erling Haaland.

City will secure a club record sale but might need to enter the transfer market in the remaining three weeks of the window to find a backup for Haaland.

In Madrid, Alvarez will not face similar competition, following the departure of Spain captain Alvaro Morata to AC Milan. This will give him the opportunity to be the main striker under fellow Argentine Diego Simeone.

Atletico is bolstering their squad to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title after finishing fourth last season. They have already signed Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand and Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth. Additionally, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is set to join, with the England international traveling to Madrid to finalize a £33 million transfer.

AFP