Manchester City’s rising star Julian Alvarez is set to leave the Premier League champions for Atletico Madrid in a deal potentially worth up to £82 million ($104.3m).
The Argentine striker, seeking more playing time and a sunnier climate, has often found himself playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, which has significantly influenced his decision to move. Reports indicate that Alvarez was also uninterested in joining another Premier League side, despite interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
Read Also: Julian Alvarez Seals Record-Breaking Transfer to Atletico Madrid from Manchester City
As Alvarez prepares to sign a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid, Manchester City is already exploring options for his replacement.
Sources suggest that City might not only look for another striker but could also consider wingers or even a false nine setup when Haaland is unavailable. Alvarez’s status at Manchester City has been an issue since he won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Having arrived from River Plate for a relatively small fee, he made 20 appearances for City, with fewer than half as a starter.
Realistically, he would never displace Haaland as a number nine, and competing with players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva for a wide berth was not a long-term solution.
