Manchester City have announced the signing of Julian Alvarez on a five-and-a-half-year deal from River Plate. The 22-year-old forward was heavily linked with a host of clubs across the January transfer window, but it is the Etihad Stadium where Alvarez will play the majority of his football come the start of next season or the start of 2023.
The youngster will remain at his current club until at least July 2022, before heading to England, hopefully, fit and firing for the 2022/23 season. "Julian is a player we have monitored for some time," said City sporting director Txiki Begiristain. "He is capable of operating in a number of attacking roles, and we firmly believe he’s one of the best young attacking players in South America."
The Argentine international is a player that usually operates across the forward line, previously being used on the wing or in a central striker position. He made his senior debut for Los Millionarios in October 2018.
Alvarez has already featured five times for his nation at senior level and bagged 36 goals and 25 assists in his 96 appearances for River Plate. His international debut came in a World Cup qualifier against Chile in June 2021 and was part of the Copa America winning squad last July.
“I am so happy we have managed to bring him to Manchester City. I really believe we can provide him with the right conditions to fulfil his potential and become a top player,” Bergiristain continued.
With Ferran Torres’ departure earlier on in the window, Alvarez is expected to take the Spaniard’s position in the squad when he arrives, bolstering Pep Guardiola’s forward line. Alvarez has been mentioned as a player of Sergio Aguero’s ilk, and the City faithful will be hoping their new signing can provide the club with special moments just like his Argentine counterpart.
Written by: @AadamHaladh
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