After the Copa América and the Olympic Games, the start of the club season is just around the corner. Julián Álvarez has been very active this July, representing Argentina in both tournaments. However, the talented striker has also grabbed headlines due to his decision to leave Manchester City. Many were surprised by this news, but everything unfolded quickly. From the beginning, there was talk of a transfer to Atlético Madrid, and this Monday, it became official. Atlético Madrid confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old goal scorer by posting on social media that “Spiderman” has donned the red-and-white jersey. The contract is signed for six years, which is quite uncommon in modern football, where such long-term commitments are rare.🕷️ Welcome, Araña! ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/a0G7MBh8iE— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 12, 2024 The former River Plate star didn’t stay long with the Citizens. Julián Álvarez joined Manchester City in January 2022 for 17 million (with bonuses, the total cost for the English club was nearly 22 million euros). However, with Erling Haaland in the squad, Álvarez struggled to become Pep Guardiola’s first-choice striker. Guardiola occasionally tried to use both players in the starting lineup, often deploying Álvarez on the wing, even though he was primarily a striker at River. Dissatisfied with his role, “La Araña” (Spiderman) decided at the end of last season to inform the coach and the club that he wanted a new challenge in his career. His wish was quickly granted. After learning about their player’s desire, Manchester City agreed to let him go. The transfer fee was 75 million fixed, with potential bonuses of up to 15 million.Atletico’s ammunition for the attack on the title: Julián Alvarez arrives in Madrid for 95,000,000!In 103 appearances for Manchester City, Julián Álvarez scored 36 goals and provided 18 assists. Despite his proficiency as a striker at River Plate, Pep Guardiola frequently deployed him as a winger at City. The new Atlético Madrid forward should not face significant adaptation issues, as he will be joining fellow Argentine national team members Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giuliano Simeone, with whom he played at the Paris Olympics. Moreover, his long-time national team coach Diego Simeone, the seasoned manager of Atlético, will be guiding him.Guardiola gives a blunt responce to his unhappy starThis move appears to be a promising one for Atlético Madrid, who have already bolstered their squad this summer by signing European champion Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad for 34.5 million and last season’s second-top scorer in La Liga, Alexander Sørloth from Villarreal. The club was also close to securing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher for 40 million, but the deal hit a snag due to complications in the negotiations over Samu Omorodion’s potential transfer in the opposite direction. João Félix, who has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, might play a role in resolving this situation.🇦🇷 🕷️ Julián Alvarez’s stats since joining Man City in 2022;🏟️ 103 games played👕 61 games started⚽️ 36 goals🎯 18 assists🥅 54 G/A🏆🏆 English Premier League🏆UEFA Champions League🏆FIFA Club World Cup🏆UEFA Super Cup🏆FA Cup#ManCity|#Atleti|#ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/fAtmeqDJ92— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) August 7, 2024 As for departures, Atlético has seen the exit of Álvaro Morata (to AC Milan), Stefan Savić (to Trabzonspor), Memphis Depay (free agent), and Saúl Ñíguez (to Sevilla) this June. These changes signal a significant reshuffling of the squad, but with Álvarez and the new signings, Atlético aims to remain competitive at the highest level.##NAJAVA_MECA_8262779##
