Atletico strike £81.5m agreement with City for Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez in a deal worth £81.5 million.

The transfer is structured with an initial fee of £64.4 million (75 million euros) and an additional £17.1 million (20 million euros) in potential add-ons.

Julian Alvarez, who recently concluded Argentina’s campaign in the 2024 Olympics, has been a key target for Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine forward had previously indicated that he would make a decision on his future only after Argentina’s Olympic involvement concluded. However, following Argentina’s exit at the hands of hosts France last Friday, Alvarez’s move has gained momentum.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had expressed his intention to retain Alvarez, noting his importance to the team.

“I count on him,” Guardiola stated earlier in August, emphasizing Alvarez’s role in the upcoming season. Despite this, City has a history of accommodating player transfer requests, as seen with Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, and Aymeric Laporte.

Atletico Madrid, which have also reached an agreement to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, is yet to finalize personal terms with Alvarez. The move marks a significant investment for Atletico, potentially setting a new record for Manchester City. The anticipated transfer fee surpasses the £50 million Chelsea paid for Raheem Sterling in 2022.

Julian Alvarez seeking prominent role

Julian Alvarez joined Manchester City in 2022 from River Plate for £14.1 million. Since then, he has made 106 appearances, scoring 36 goals and contributing to City’s successful campaign. During his first season, Alvarez was instrumental in City’s Treble win and played a role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.

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Despite his achievements, Alvarez has often played a secondary role behind Erling Haaland. The forward is reportedly seeking more regular playing time, which Atletico Madrid is expected to offer. With his impressive trophy collection, Alvarez is now aiming for a more prominent role in a team where he can be a central figure.

The finalisation of the transfer will be closely watched, as it could shape the upcoming season’s dynamics for both Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.