Manchester City have agreed to sell Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a club-record £80 million while the Premier League champions could turn to youngsters Savinho or James McAtee to take the World Cup winners’ place.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
Pep Guardiola’s side made it clear over the years that they will not force any player to stay at the Etihad Stadium against their will.
And Manchester City are set to practice what they preach in the deal that takes Julian Alvarez to La Liga. HITC understands that the Argentina international had made it clear throughout the summer window that he was keen to take on a fresh challenge.
Atletico have now agreed a deal that will take Alvarez to the Spanish capital. The former River Plate starlet – who joined Man City back in January 2022 and had caught the eye of Arsenal as well as Chelsea – has been given permission to travel to the Wanda Metropolitano for his medical.
Personal terms have already been agreed in principle. Alvarez is set to become one of Atletico’s highest earners on a deal far in excess of his current Man City contract.
The 2023 Treble winners are also due to make a huge profit on a player who set them back just £14 million.
Alvarez, who could cost Atletico around £80 million, will become the biggest export in City’s history, overtaking the fee Chelsea paid to sign Raheem Sterling.
Julian Alvarez is leaving Manchester City for Atletico Madrid
There may be concerns among some supporters that the departure of a player who played 54 games and scored 19 goals last season will leave Guardiola a little short in the attacking department.
HITC have been told, however, that Man City are in no rush to push ahead with any of the big-name targets on their radar. There is interest in Ebere Eze of Crystal Palace and Wolves’ £60 million-rated speed machine Pedro Neto.
Atletico misfit Joao Felix has also been offered to City as part of the deal that will take Alvarez to Los Colchoneros. Talks have not progressed, however, with the former Chelsea and Barcelona loanee.
Man City’s admiration for talented up-and-comers Savinho and James McAtee are well documented. HITC have been told that both could play a key role in Guardiola’s plans next term. And, should they adapt to life in the sky blue shirt, this could go some way to helping offset Alvarez’s departure.
Opportunities for Savinho and James McAtee
Savinho, who joined from France-based sister club Troyes for £30 million, was a revelation on loan at Girona last term. One of the stand-out attackers in La Liga, the Brazil international scored 11 goals and set up 10 more while drawing comparisons with Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior.
McAtee, in contrast, endured a far more difficult campaign. He finished bottom of the Premier League on loan at Sheffield United.
But, having been burned by the remarkable success of Cole Palmer at Chelsea, HITC have been told that Man City are opting to keep 21-year-old McAtee at the Etihad.
Nearly a dozen clubs from the Premier League, Championship and over in Europe have contacted them about a potential deal for the Salford-born England Under 21 schemer.
McAtee was one of a number of youngsters praised by Guardiola following that Erling Haaland-inspired 4-2 victory over Chelsea in pre-season. Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly and goalscorer Oscar Bobb also impressed.
“Every game was much better than the previous one,” Guardiola said, via the Manchester Evening News. “Rico has been unbelievable with Oscar. Today, McAtee makes his potential as a football player. Nico as well, played a high level.”
“All the young player make some minutes. Today, I make a debut for Stephen (Mfuni) at 16 years old. Everyone played. Some players will now be with the first team, some with the second, some for loan. Hopefully next season they’ll come back.”
Guardiola then confirmed that McAtee and O’Reilly are seen as first-team options going forward.
“The other ones still they are not ready to play with us,” the Spaniard added. “They have to be loan or second team. We will see their development because it always depends on them.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
