Manchester City have been largely inactive in the transfer window so far with their only signing of the summer Savinho being confirmed long before last season ended. The ex-Girona winger shifted from Troyes to the Premier League defending champions within the City group, making this transfer rather unspectacular.
Thus, the biggest news surrounding Man City in this transfer window is the impending exit of Julian Alvarez. The Argentinian World Cup winner is set to join Diego Simeone’s side for the next season and beyond in a €90m package transfer. The 24-year-old will now continue his club career in Spain after a successful two years in Manchester.
At such a young age, Alvarez has already won every major trophy at both club and international level. He is a Copa America and World Cup champion with Argentina and won the Premier League (twice) and the Champions League with Man City. Boy, how must Harry Kane be feeling seeing all this?
What the Argentinian striker lacked at Manchester City was the lack of a starting berth. This had to do with the presence of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker is a goal machine and understandably starts every big game for his club when fit, restricting Alvarez to a bit-part bench role.
Despite Pep placing immense trust in his abilities and publicly backing him, the player chose to abandon the ship and move to Madrid. As always, City are never a club to stand in the way of a player who wants to leave.
Typical Pep Guardiola response
Pep Guardiola is not just a great tactician on the field but he is also an excellent media spokesperson. Over the years, the Spaniard has really upped his media game and often is seen giving witty responses that evoke laughter from the entire room. His response to Alvarez’s exit was typically a ‘Pep answer’.
“He wants to leave and Atlético is a top club, so it’s ok. Good luck to Juli, we loved him, we won everything. I really wish him all the best”
🚨🔴⚪️ Pep Guardiola says goodbye to Julián Álvarez: “He wants to leave and Atlético is a top club, so it’s ok. Good luck to Juli, we loved him, we won everything”.
“I really wish him all the best”, says via @SamLee. pic.twitter.com/t91JEeobJg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024
Julian Alvarez is moving from a very different style of football under Pep to a very different style of football under Diego Simeone. It is a style of football that will suit him well though. The 24-year-old has an excellent work rate which will help him thrive in his compatriot’s system in Madrid.
Considering all factors, this is a deal that has benefitted all parties. Atletico Madrid have secured an upgrade on Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay and an ideal partner for Antoine Griezmann. Man City have made a huge profit on a player they signed just a couple of seasons ago.
For the player himself, he has secured a move to a club where he will be one of the first names on the team sheet. Thus, all parties can move on from this transfer saga with a smile on their face and wish each other the very best for their futures.
