Atletico Madrid have officially announced the acquisition of striker Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, in a deal reportedly worth £81.5million. The talented Argentinian has inked a six-year contract with the LaLiga club, marking a record sale for City, surpassing the £50m they received for Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in 2022.
Alvarez, who is 24 years old, showcased his skills at City despite playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland. However, he has decided to move on in pursuit of more consistent first-team opportunities. Upon his departure, Alvarez expressed his gratitude to the club, stating, “Today I bid farewell to this incredible club with a mix of emotions. These past two years have been truly special, where I’ve grown and learned both on and off the pitch.”
During his tenure at Etihad, Alvarez secured six major trophies, in addition to claiming the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America with the Argentina national team. City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, commended Alvarez, stating that he is a winner based on the trophies he has achieved and expressed excitement about his future progression.
🕷️ Welcome, Araña! ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/a0G7MBh8iE
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 12, 2024
Julian Alvarez stats
City initially secured Alvarez for 17 million euros (£14.1m) in January 2022 from River Plate in Argentina. He made his debut for City in July 2022 after initially being loaned back to River Plate. In his first season, Alvarez recorded 17 goals and five assists in 49 appearances, showcasing his attacking prowess. The following season, he notched 19 goals and contributed to 13 more, proving to be a key asset for the team.
While Alvarez was a consistent presence in City’s domestic league matches in 2023/24, he saw limited game time in their Champions League fixtures, particularly against Madrid. Despite his contributions, he was left on the bench during City’s title-clinching match against West Ham United on the final day of the season.
The talented striker was named the 2021 South American Footballer of the Year, demonstrating his outstanding abilities on the pitch. Although he did not directly impact City’s FA Cup journey beyond the third round, he featured in their unexpected defeat to Manchester United in the final.
City is set to face Manchester United in the Community Shield followed by the start of their Premier League campaign against Chelsea, where Alvarez is expected to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Conclusion
Julian Alvarez’s transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid marks a significant chapter in the striker’s career. The move highlights his ambition to secure more playing time and continue his development as a footballer. With his impressive track record and achievements at City, there is no doubt that Alvarez will make a positive impact at his new club, Atletico Madrid.
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