Manchester City have agreed to sell Julian Alvarez to Atlético Madrid for a fee rising to €95 million.
The Argentinian forward, who has been pivotal for City, is yet to agree on personal terms with the Spanish club, but this is not expected to pose any issues.
The transfer fee – an initial €75 million plus €20 million in add-ons – will make Alvarez City’s record sale, potentially amounting to £82 million, a significant profit on a player they signed for just £14 million from River Plate.
City had hoped to retain the World Cup winner, but they recognized that Alvarez was their second-choice center-forward when Erling Haaland was available. Despite starting 31 league games last season, often operating in midfield, Alvarez scored an impressive 36 goals in 54 appearances. Over two seasons with City, he netted 36 times in 103 matches, contributing to six trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Alvarez is set to become the second striker Atlético have signed this summer, following Alexander Sørloth, as manager Diego Simeone rebuilds his attack after the departures of Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay. Additionally, the club has brought in Brazilian forward Savinho for the new season from Troyes after his impressive loan spell at Girona. Claudio Echeverri, signed from River Plate in January, will move to the Etihad Stadium at the start of next year.
Alvarez’s move to Atlético Madrid could pave the way for the Spanish side to sell their forward Samu Omorodion to Chelsea.