Julian Alvarez has attracted significant attention this summer, leading Atletico Madrid to agree on an £81.5 million deal with Manchester City for the forward. This transfer includes an initial £64.4 million (75 million euros) plus up to £17.1 million (20 million euros) in potential add-ons.

This deal represents a record sale for Manchester City, surpassing the £50 million Chelsea paid for Raheem Sterling in 2022. Julian Alvarez, who joined City from River Plate in 2022 for £14.1 million, has been a key player, scoring 36 goals in 106 appearances.

Alvarez had initially planned to make a decision on his future after Argentina’s campaign in the 2024 Olympics. However, with Argentina recently eliminated by hosts France, the transfer has moved forward. Despite Pep Guardiola’s desire to retain Alvarez, as he indicated earlier this month, Manchester City has a history of accommodating players who wish to leave, following departures like Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, and Aymeric Laporte.

Atletico Madrid, which has also completed a deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, is still negotiating personal terms with Alvarez. This transfer not only offers Alvarez a chance to join a club with strong Champions League ambitions but also impacts Manchester City’s future plans.

The departure of Alvarez could lead to more opportunities for Savinho, Manchester City’s 20-year-old Brazilian signing from Troyes for £30.8 million. Guardiola may also look to reinforce his squad as City aims for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.