Manchester City and Atlético Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of striker Julián Álvarez, a source confirmed to ESPN. The LaLiga side is prepared to pay a substantial fee of up to €95 million ($104m) for the talented Argentina striker. This deal includes an upfront payment of around £64m (€75m) along with additional £17m (€20m) in performance-based add-ons. This transaction marks City’s record departure, showcasing a significant profit from the £14m they invested in Álvarez when he joined from River Plate in January 2022.
According to sources, Álvarez has not yet finalized personal terms with Atlético Madrid, although it is believed to be a mere formality at this point. While City initially hesitated to part ways with the 24-year-old forward, who played a crucial role in the club’s recent successes, they ultimately understood Álvarez’s desire for more playing time and to secure a spot as the primary striker. With the prospect of competing with Erling Haaland for the leading attacking position being slim, City recognizes that negotiating this deal is in the best interest of all parties involved.
City had anticipated a relatively quiet transfer window this summer, having made only one signing in Brazil winger Savinho. However, the impending departure of Álvarez has prompted the need for the club to consider finding a suitable replacement or understudy for Haaland. The Norwegian striker’s injury forced him to miss a significant portion of last season, allowing Álvarez to step up and make 54 appearances across all competitions. Notably, Álvarez contributed 11 goals in the Premier League, showcasing his ability to perform consistently at a high level.
Manchester City’s decision to part ways with Julián Álvarez represents a strategic move to accommodate the player’s ambitions and secure a favorable deal for both clubs. While the departure of a player of Álvarez’s caliber will undoubtedly leave a void in City’s squad, it also presents an opportunity for the club to reassess their attacking options and potentially strengthen their lineup. As the footballing landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for teams like Manchester City to adapt and make calculated decisions to ensure sustained success both domestically and in European competitions.
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