Atlético Madrid signs Álvarez from Manchester City in €85 million deal

Atlético Madrid has completed the signing of Argentine striker Julián Álvarez from Manchester City in a deal that could be worth up to €85 million ($93 million). The Spanish club announced on Monday that Álvarez has signed a six-year contract.

Reports indicate that Atlético will pay an initial €75 million for the 24-year-old forward, with an additional €10 million in potential bonuses.

Álvarez joined Manchester City in January 2022 from River Plate for just £14 million (€16 million). During his time at City, he contributed to winning two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, among other trophies. Álvarez also played a crucial role in Argentina’s victories at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.

In his farewell to Manchester City, Álvarez expressed his gratitude: “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion. 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.”

Álvarez scored 36 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions for City. Despite his success, City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged Álvarez’s desire for a new challenge: “He’s incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour, but like I said many times for many players, he wants to leave and have a new challenge.”

Atlético Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, has been active in the transfer market this summer, also signing Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth. The club is reinforcing its squad in preparation to compete with La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona after a disappointing fourth-place finish last season.

Atlético Madrid will kick off the new season with an away match against Villarreal on August 19.

(Source: AFP)