Julian Alvarez: The real reason for £82m Man City exit revealed
Julian Alvarez has chosen to quit Man City for Atletico Madrid due to wanting a sunnier climate and more quality first-team football, sources have told Football Insider.
It has been widely reported that the 24-year-old is inching closer to a move to the Spanish capital in a deal worth around £82million.
Alvarez featured regularly throughout his two seasons with City, but sources say he had grown frustrated at being left out of the team for the season’s biggest fixtures.
The World Cup winner is likely to become a key part of the Atleti side under countryman Diego Simeone.
It is believed Alvarez was also keen to move to Europe due to the climate, with the Manchester weather a famous factor for several key City players in the past.
Alvarez closing in on £82m Man City exit
As such, sources say the Argentine would only consider a move to the continent and had no interest in joining another Premier League side – despite links with both Chelsea and Arsenal.
It is believed Pep Guardiola was keen to keep the 24-year-old at the Etihad Stadium but has kept up his policy of reluctantly allowing wantaway stars to depart.
Alvarez cost a reported fee of just £14million when City raided River Plate to land him in January 2022.
The forward, who also played as an attacking midfielder in England, won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a Champions League trophy at the club.
He filled in for Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland last term but was dropped to the bench when both players returned to full fitness.
In other news, City could land £26m+ windfall.
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