In a sensational transfer saga, Manchester City is on the brink of selling their Argentine star Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a jaw-dropping £82 million. The agreement, representing a colossal profit on the £14 million City invested in Alvarez in January 2022, is poised to become the most lucrative sale in the club’s history.
Manchester City’s Lucrative Sale
The deal, which has rapidly advanced over the past 24 hours, will see Atletico Madrid pay £64 million upfront (€75 million), with an additional £18 million in potential add-ons. This transaction will eclipse the £50 million City received from Chelsea for Raheem Sterling in 2022, setting a new financial benchmark for the Premier League champions.
Alvarez’s transfer signifies a phenomenal return on investment for Manchester City. Since his arrival from River Plate, Alvarez has dazzled fans with 103 appearances and 36 goals, contributing significantly to City’s impressive trophy haul.
Alvarez’s Stellar Journey at City
Julian Alvarez’s tenure at Manchester City has been nothing short of spectacular. The Argentine international has secured two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Champions League, a Super Cup, and a Club World Cup—all within the 2023 season. Additionally, he celebrated international triumphs by winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and the Copa America earlier this year.
Chelsea’s Transfer Domino Effect
The impending transfer of Alvarez to Atletico Madrid is likely to trigger significant movements in Chelsea’s transfer plans. The Blues have been keen on Atletico striker Samu Omorodion, and with Alvarez stepping into that role, Chelsea’s acquisition of Omorodion seems increasingly feasible.
Furthermore, Conor Gallagher’s potential move to Madrid remains a possibility as Atletico and Chelsea continue their negotiations. The fee for Omorodion, akin to Gallagher’s £34 million valuation, is expected to be around £35 million.
Countdown to Transfer Deadline Day
As the 2024 summer transfer window nears its conclusion on August 30 at 11pm UK time, the urgency intensifies. The coordinated deadlines across Europe’s top leagues promise a thrilling end to the transfer season.
Guardiola’s Strategic Decision
Pep Guardiola had hoped to keep Alvarez, but he acknowledged the forward’s aspirations and City’s policy of allowing players to pursue new opportunities. Guardiola’s earlier statements reflected his pragmatic approach, recognizing Alvarez’s desire for more prominent playing time following his World Cup success.
“I count on him, but he said in the news that decisions will be made all together,” Guardiola remarked in early August. This mirrors City’s approach with other high-profile departures such as Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, and Aymeric Laporte.
Future Opportunities for Savinho
With Alvarez’s departure, opportunities open up for emerging talents like 20-year-old Brazilian Savinho, who joined City for £30.8 million from Troyes. Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid could accelerate Savinho’s integration into Guardiola’s squad as City eyes an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title.
Conclusion
Julian Alvarez’s £82 million transfer to Atletico Madrid marks a landmark deal underscoring Manchester City’s shrewd transfer strategies. As the transfer window’s closure approaches, the ripple effects of this move will resonate across Europe, especially at Chelsea, where the pursuit of Samu Omorodion and Conor Gallagher’s potential transfer to Madrid are set to shape the final days of the summer transfer frenzy.
Stay tuned to Bangbet News for the latest updates on this and other blockbuster transfers as the window reaches its dramatic conclusion.