Madrid, Sept 9: Julian Alvarez is set to leave Manchester City for Atletico Madrid, with reports confirming a deal worth up to €95 million (£81 million, $104 million). The 24-year-old Argentine, who joined City from River Plate for just £14 million in January 2022, has seen a meteoric rise in his career. Alvarez has been instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup and Copa America victories and has also won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester City.
After a six-month loan return to River Plate, Alvarez scored 36 goals over two seasons with City, contributing to their historic achievement of winning four consecutive English top-flight titles. Despite his success, he often played second fiddle to Erling Haaland during his time at City.
With Alvarez’s departure, City will record a club-record sale but may need to seek reinforcements in the final weeks of the transfer window to support Haaland. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid, having lost Spain captain Alvaro Morata to AC Milan, are set to make Alvarez their main striker. He will join Atletico under the guidance of compatriot Diego Simeone.
Atletico Madrid is preparing to mount a serious challenge in La Liga after a disappointing fourth-place finish last season. The club has already strengthened its squad with Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand and Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth. Additionally, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is on the verge of a £33 million move to Madrid.