- Julian Alvarez is set to leave Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth up to €95 million, marking a record sale
- Alvarez, who scored 36 goals for City, aims for a more prominent role at Atletico after often being a backup to Erling Haaland
Julian Alvarez is reportedly set to leave Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth up to 95 million euros (£81 million, $104 million). This move marks a significant profit for the English champions, who signed the Argentine striker from River Plate for just £14 million in January 2022.
Alvarez, 24, has had a remarkable rise in his career. He contributed to Argentina’s World Cup and Copa America victories and won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with City. After being loaned back to River Plate for six months, he scored 36 goals in two seasons for City, helping Pep Guardiola’s team secure four consecutive English top-flight titles. Despite his success, Alvarez often played second fiddle to Erling Haaland.
City will benefit from a record sale but may need to enter the transfer market in the final weeks of the window to find a backup for Haaland. Alvarez’s move follows the departure of Spain captain Alvaro Morata to AC Milan, ensuring Alvarez will likely be the main striker in Madrid under compatriot Diego Simeone.
Atletico Madrid, aiming to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for the top spots in La Liga after a fourth-place finish last season, have already signed Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand and Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth. Additionally, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is on the verge of joining Atletico, with the England international set to complete a £33 million move to the Spanish capital.