The Argentina international has scored 17 league goals in his first season at Madrid and has already scored seven ahead of Saturday’s home game against Levante. His performances with Atlético have not escaped criticism.
To everyone’s surprise, City allows Alvarez to leave.
Alvarez left Manchester City last summer in search of playing time. The 25-year-old made 31 league starts for the Cityzens in his final season at the Etihad Stadium, but was often relegated to the bench when Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were available.
Although City would have preferred to keep the Argentine striker, the club agreed to sell him, in accordance with its policy of selling players who no longer wish to play at the club.
Leroy Sané was a key player for Manchester City after arriving from Schalke in 2016. However, the Manchester club were ready to sell the winger in 2020 when Bayern Munich expressed interest in the Germany international. City followed a similar journey with Alvarez, who was a vital part of the Citizens’ historic treble in 2023.
Interest in his services was high last summer, but it was Atlético Madrid who won the race for Alvarez’s signature. The Colchoneros will now have to fight to keep him, with Barcelona being strongly anticipated to recruit the striker.
“I am focused on Atlético. »
The French daily L’Équipe recently asked Alvarez about a possible transfer to PSG or Barcelona: “ We know that PSG and Barça, who are looking for a successor to Robert Lewandowski, are following you closely. Do you see yourself playing for one of these two clubs in the years to come? »
Álvarez has tried to deny transfer rumors sending him away from Madrid, insisting he is focused on Atlético. “Do I plan to play for Barcelona or PSG? Honestly, I don’t know.” replied the attacker.
“I see what people are saying on social media. In Spain, people talk a lot about me and Barcelona. For now I am focused on Atlético and we will take stock at the end of the season. »
Álvarez also explained his decision to join Atlético last year, while praising coach Diego Simeone: “ We share the same vision of football: passion, hard work, dedication, this desire to fight against two huge clubs, to never give up, to always believe in yourself. On the pitch, he gives me confidence and gives me total freedom: our relationship is very positive.
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