Man City news: Expert issues Julian Alvarez claim as transfer decision made
Noel Whelan has backed Julian Alvarez to keep Erling Haaland “on his toes” as the pair battle to lead the new-look Man City attack.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Pep Guardiola’s side have made the right decision by keeping the 22-year-old Argentine at the club for the 2022-23 campaign.
According to the Manchester Evening News (4 June), Man City have decided that Alvarez will be part of the squad as they attempt to win a third consecutive Premier League title.
The report claims the original plan had been to decide on his immediate future after getting the opportunity to watch the striker in pre-season.
Speaking to club media (30 May), Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak branded Alvarez “one of the most talented young strikers in South America”.
He signed for City in January but was immediately loaned back to River Plate until next month.
Whelan claimed the high-profile additions of Alvarez and Haaland have added “another dimension” to Guardiola’s side.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’ve now got two natural centre-forwards, and that’s something they’ve not had for a long time.
“I think keeping Alvarez around is the right thing to do. There will be adapting to do but he and Haaland have got a full pre-season to do it.
“They’ve not had a real striker since Aguero, and Guardiola wasn’t really a fan.
“I think it just adds another dimension to Man City, and even more firepower. Why let a goalscorer go back out on loan when he’s shown that he’s ready to compete with Haaland?
“The two of them will be learning from each other and keeping each other on their toes.
“City will create so many chances for those two if they get it right.”
In other news, expert issues ‘big’ Raheem Sterling verdict after journalist’s transfer update.