Man City splash cash as Guardiola finally signs Aguero successor
Man City have reached an agreement to sign River Plate striker Julian Alvarez, and the finer details of the move – including his immediate next step – have been revealed.
Gabriel Jesus had been tipped to be the long-term successor to Sergio Aguero. However, the Brazilian has found a new home on the right wing, with Guardiola content to rotate between a multitude of options as a false nine.
Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden have all been deployed at the spearhead of the attack at times this season. Playing without a recognised centre-forward is not the conventional way. Though City continue to be the dominant force in England nevertheless.
However, speculation had ramped up in recent weeks regarding a proposed move for Julian Alvarez.
The 21-year-old Argentine plays for River Plate in his home country. In the 2020/21 season, Alvarez bagged 24 goals and provided 15 assists in 46 matches.
Those encouraging displays saw him accrue five Argentina caps since earning his maiden call-up in 2021, and interest from the Premier League soon followed.
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Aston Villa and Man Utd were linked, but it is Man City who have now won the race.
That’s according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted it is a ‘done deal’. An agreement has reportedly been reached that will see Alvarez signed for ‘€18.5m (£15.5m) with bonuses and tax’.
Alvarez will sign a five-year contract. Though City fans will have to wait six months to see their new centre-forward up close and personal.
But although Prade doesn’t necessarily regret it, he is unsure as to whether Man City is the right destination for the 21-year-old.
“We followed him for a long time,” Prade said (via Sport Witness).
“But there was never a need to take him, and now he has been taken by Manchester City.
“I don’t know if the choice of going to City is the right one for him; given the many champions, it will be difficult to find continuity.”