When Julian Alvarez departed Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth up to £81.5 million in August 2024, few could have predicted the significant ripple effects this transfer would create for both clubs. The Argentine forward, who had become an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, left City with six major trophies to his name. As Manchester City now navigate a challenging period in their season, many fans and pundits have begun questioning whether letting Alvarez go was a strategic error.
Alvarez’s Impact at Manchester City
During his two-year stint at the Etihad, Alvarez proved himself as a versatile and reliable attacking option. The numbers speak to his effectiveness – 36 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions. His final season at City saw him start 31 Premier League matches, contributing 11 goals in 36 league appearances. Perhaps more impressively, he managed 49 goal contributions (goals and assists) in just 5,902 minutes of football – equivalent to about 65 full matches.
Alvarez provided Guardiola with tactical flexibility, capable of playing as a striker alongside Erling Haaland, operating in wider positions, or filling in as an attacking midfielder. This versatility proved crucial during Kevin De Bruyne’s injury absence last season, with Alvarez stepping up to deliver 20 goals and assists in the Premier League alone.
Atletico Success Story
Since joining Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has flourished under Diego Simeone’s guidance. The statistics from his current season are striking 22 goals and 5 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His Champions League form has been particularly noteworthy, with 7 goals in 9 matches, including a crucial strike against Real Madrid in the Round of 16 first leg.
In La Liga, Alvarez has netted 10 goals in 26 appearances while adding 5 goals in 6 Copa del Rey matches. His immediate impact helped Atletico embark on a 10-match winning streak across all competitions by December 2024. The Argentine has quickly established himself as a central figure in Simeone’s attacking setup, forming effective partnerships with Antoine Griezmann.
City’s Post-Alvarez Struggles
Manchester City have experienced an uncharacteristic dip in form this season. While injuries to key players – most notably Rodri – have played a significant part in these struggles, Alvarez’s absence has amplified the team’s attacking limitations. By November 2024, City had suffered the unusual fate of losing four consecutive matches.
Guardiola himself appeared to acknowledge the potential risk of the transfer, stating that Alvarez’s departure “could be a problem” if injuries struck the squad. This concern has proven prescient. Without Alvarez, City have become more reliant on Haaland as their sole recognized striker. When opponents have successfully neutralized the Norwegian, Guardiola has lacked the tactical alternative that Alvarez previously provided.
A Balanced Assessment
The transfer decision involves multiple perspectives. From a financial standpoint, receiving up to £81.5 million for a player who wasn’t always guaranteed a starting role represents excellent business, particularly in an era of Financial Fair Play constraints. Additionally, City have maintained a policy of not standing in the way of players seeking new challenges when appropriate offers arrive.
However, the sporting cost has become increasingly apparent. Former striker Chris Sutton has been among the voices suggesting that selling Alvarez was a mistake that Guardiola might not publicly acknowledge. The Argentine’s ability to provide cover across multiple attacking positions has proven difficult to replace, especially during a season marked by injuries to key personnel.
What’s clear is that both clubs and the player himself have experienced significant consequences from this transfer. While Alvarez has thrived in Madrid with regular starting opportunities, City’s depth and tactical flexibility have diminished at a critical juncture of their campaign.
