Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez left the Etihad Stadium in 2024 after struggling for minutes and has been the subject of a bid from Real Madrid while Barcelona are interested and Arsenal have been linked
Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez could be on the move in the summer transfer window
Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez could be on the move in the summer transfer window(Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez insists he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer after Real Madrid announced they had submitted a £130m offer for him. Earlier this month, the striker was the subject of interest from both Barcelona and Real following a stellar season for Diego Simeone's side.
Alvarez scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, following on from the 29 he bagged in his debut season for the club after leaving City. The Blues sold the World Cup winner in 2024 after it became clear Pep Guardiola would not be able to offer him the game time he desired.
Erling Haaland was clearly City's first choice striker and Alvarez wanted to leave for a club who could make him their star man. But his two seasons in La Liga have drawn attention and the 26-year-old admitted after Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in the World Cup that he wished to leave.
"Honestly, I don't know," he told reporters when asked about his future. "I don't think this is the right time to talk, but I can't hide either. I try to be an honest person. I've spoken with the people at the club, with those I needed to speak to. I think a transfer is the best solution for everyone, and I want to fulfil my dream."
Due to Haaland, City are unlikely to be in the running to re-sign Alvarez but they can still benefit from a deal. When he was sold for £64.4m, in a deal that could reach £81.5m, the Blues included a sell-on clause.
This clause is thought to be worth 10 per cent of any profit Atletico make on the sale. While the exact amount City will receive is unclear, due to the extensive clauses and the questions surrounding whether or not they have been met, it is believed the Blues could bank between £4-7m from a £130m sale.
Following their offer earlier this month, Real said in a statement: "Real Madrid CF announces that, following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of €150 million to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez. After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's release clause."
Incredibly, it is believed Atletico have included a £431m release clause in Alvarez's contract that expires in 2030. Were that release clause to be activated, City would be due anywhere between £34.95-£36.6m.
Alvarez has yet to score at the World Cup having started both of Argentina's matches so far on the bench. Argentina progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup on Monday with their victory over Austria.