Julian Álvarez’s Departure: A Profitable Exit for Man City, A New Chapter with Atlético
Julian Álvarez has officially completed his £81.5 million transfer to Atlético Madrid, bringing an end to a remarkable two-year spell at Manchester City. The Argentine forward, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium for a modest £14 million from River Plate, has quickly become one of football’s most intriguing talents. His departure, while bittersweet for City fans, represents a significant profit for the Premier League champions and a fresh challenge for Álvarez in La Liga.
We can confirm Julian Alvarez has joined Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal.
Wishing you all the best, Julian 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 12, 2024
A Remarkable Journey: From River Plate to Manchester City
When Julian Álvarez arrived at Manchester City in 2022, few could have predicted the impact he would have in such a short time. His debut season coincided with a dream year on both personal and club levels. By the end of 2022, Álvarez had not only secured a place in Pep Guardiola’s formidable squad but also played a crucial role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph. His contributions continued as City clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles, making it a historic treble for the club.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, Álvarez expressed his gratitude and admiration for the club. “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion,” Álvarez shared with City’s official website. “These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot – both as a player and as a person.”
The Transfer: Álvarez’s Move to Atlético Madrid
The financial details of Álvarez’s transfer underline the business acumen of Manchester City. The initial fee of £75 million, supplemented by £20 million in add-ons, marks a record sale for the club. This move not only highlights Pep Guardiola’s pragmatic approach to squad management but also reflects City’s willingness to accommodate players seeking new challenges.
Guardiola’s philosophy on player happiness has always been straightforward: if a player is not content, they should pursue what they believe will bring them fulfilment. Speaking ahead of City’s Community Shield victory over Manchester United, Guardiola remarked, “He said he wants a new challenge and it is what he has to do. I don’t like to tell players what they have to do… If they think happiness is around the corner, go and take a look.”
For Atlético Madrid, the acquisition of Álvarez is a statement of intent. The Spanish giants are eager to reassert themselves in both domestic and European competitions, and the arrival of a player of Álvarez’s calibre is a significant step in that direction.
Álvarez’s Legacy at Manchester City
Though his time at Manchester City was brief, Álvarez leaves behind a lasting legacy. His on-field performances, characterised by relentless energy, sharp finishing, and intelligent movement, endeared him to the City faithful. More than just his technical skills, Álvarez brought a sense of humility and professionalism that resonated with teammates and fans alike.
“To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great support and for making me feel at home from the very first day,” Álvarez said in his farewell message. “Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart. I wish you every success in the future and I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be.”
As Álvarez embarks on his new adventure with Atlético Madrid, City fans will undoubtedly watch with interest, hoping to see their former star shine in Spain. Guardiola’s comments, “It was a joy to work with him, I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for,” capture the sentiment shared by many in Manchester.
In football, as in life, the only constant is change. Julian Álvarez’s move to Atlético Madrid is a testament to this truth—a new chapter for a player with the world at his feet, and for a club that continues to evolve.
