Argentina striker Julián Álvarez has completed his transfer from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid in a deal reportedly exceeding $103 million.
The move ends a highly successful two-year stint at the English champions for Álvarez, who leaves behind a legacy of major trophies and memorable performances.
Álvarez’s departure from City marks the end of a significant chapter in his career. The Argentine forward, who initially joined Manchester City from River Plate in 2022 for approximately £14 million (now around $17.8 million), has enjoyed a remarkable period at the club. During his tenure, City achieved notable successes, including back-to-back Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Club World Cup.
In his 103 appearances across all competitions for City, Álvarez scored 36 goals, a testament to his attacking prowess and adaptability. Despite his impressive contributions and being a regular starter for the Argentina national team, Álvarez found himself in the shadow of Erling Haaland, City’s prolific striker. This dynamic led to his decision to seek a new challenge, as confirmed by City manager Pep Guardiola, who revealed that Álvarez had expressed a desire for a fresh opportunity.
Álvarez’s move to Atlético Madrid reflects a significant investment by the La Liga club. The deal, which could see City receive up to 95 million euros (around $104 million), underscores Atlético’s commitment to bolstering their squad with high-quality players. Álvarez’s transfer fee is among the highest ever paid by Atlético, illustrating their ambition to compete at the highest levels of European football.
In his farewell statement, Álvarez expressed deep emotion and gratitude towards Manchester City. “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion,” he said. “These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learned a lot — both as a player and as a person.” His departure is marked by a sense of fulfillment and acknowledgment of the growth he experienced at City.
City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised Álvarez’s contributions and attitude during his time at the club. “Álvarez’s attitude has been first-class since he first walked through the door here,” Begiristain noted. “That’s why he has improved so much. The trophies he has won already tell their own story — he is a winner. I look forward to watching him develop further in the remainder of his career.”
In 103 appearances in all competitions, Julian Alvarez scored 36 goals. However, despite being first choice for Argentina, he was behind Erling Haaland in the City pecking order.
 "Argentina striker Julian Alvarez joins Atletico Madrid from Manchester City for reported fee up to $103 million")
With Álvarez’s departure, Manchester City has made only one significant signing in this transfer window: Brazilian winger Savio. This move raises questions about City’s plans for replacing Álvarez and reinforcing their squad ahead of the new season, which is set to commence on Friday.
Guardiola addressed the potential for further signings in light of Álvarez’s exit. “I don’t know yet,” he said last week. “We talk every day, we see what happens.” This statement indicates that City is still evaluating their options and could potentially make additional moves before the transfer window closes.
Álvarez’s transfer to Atlético Madrid is expected to have a considerable impact on both clubs. For Atlético, acquiring Álvarez represents a significant step in their quest for domestic and European success. The addition of a player with Álvarez’s skill set and experience will bolster their attacking options and provide a valuable asset in their pursuit of silverware.
For Manchester City, the departure of Álvarez necessitates strategic planning as they look to maintain their competitive edge. The club’s focus will likely be on integrating Savio into their squad while exploring other potential additions to ensure they remain a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions.
Álvarez’s move highlights the ever-evolving landscape of football transfers and the high stakes involved in assembling top-tier squads. As the new season approaches, both Atlético Madrid and Manchester City will be keenly observing how the changes in their squads impact their performances and aspirations for the campaign ahead.
