Man City complete £14m Alvarez signing

Forum 2 years ago

Man City complete £14m Alvarez signing

Manchester City have completed the £14 million ($18m) signing of River Plate forward Julian Alvarez on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

The Argentina international, who turned 22 on transfer deadline day, will remain on loan at River until July at least.

Alvarez, who scored 20 goals in 35 league appearances for River last season as well as registering nine assists, was a target for a host of European clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“Julian is a player we have monitored for some time,” City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said.

“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.

“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.”

City believe they are buying a player with a huge potential, with Alvarez considered one of Argentina’s most promising young stars.

He has already made six appearances for the national team in World Cup qualifiers and Copa America, and his playing style has drawn comparisons with City legend Sergio Aguero.

He spent two years at Real Madrid's academy as a youngster but was unable to sign for them as he was under the age of 13.

After returning to Argentina with River, he made his professional debut in 2018 and has 36 goals in 96 appearances and was understood to have a release clause in his contract worth £17m ($23m).

Mainly a striker, Alvarez can play anywhere across the front three and was used as a right winger in Argentina's 0-0 draw with Brazil in November.