Manchester City reportedly monitored the situation of Julian Alvarez at Atletico Madrid towards the end of the summer transfer window to assess a possible return to the Etihad Stadium.
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The Argentina international, who contributed to 55 goals during 103 appearances for the Citizens under Pep Guardiola, had thrown his future into doubt after showing a clear desire to leave the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
Alvarez was sold by City to Atletico Madrid in 2024 for £82 million and had been determined to complete a move to Barcelona, only for Diego Simeone and co to block a move to a direct Spanish rival.
Premier League champions Arsenal joined the fray and were ready to place a serious and substantial offer towards the end of the window but it was made clear by Alvarez that he didn’t favour a return to England.
Claudio Echeverri has revealed details of two conversations he has held with prominent Manchester City figures from both the past and present about life at the club.cityxtra.co.ukWhat Julian Alvarez and Pep Guardiola have told Claudio Echeverri about Manchester City
Claudio Echeverri has revealed details of two conversations he has held with prominent Manchester City figures from both the past and present about life at the club.
Man City deny exploring Alvarez return
The work that Hugo Viana and Enzo Maresca did in the build-up to deadline day was hugely satisfactory for City fans, given the arrivals of Iliman Ndiaye and Enzo Fernandez from Everton and Chelsea respectively for £65 million and £125 million.
And while perhaps there was a glimmer of internal hope that Alvarez would return to the Etihad Stadium, The Athletic’s Sam Lee reported on Thursday that City have denied making enquiries over a potential return for Alvarez to Manchetser.
Not only that, but a move for Liverpool’s talented winger Cody Gakpo also fell through despite the Merseyside club signing Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola for £123 million.
Gakpo, who got an assist in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend, is likely to struggle for minutes at Anfield - with Barcola expected to lead Andoni Iraola's attack alongside Alexander Isak and Victor Munoz - and may seek an exit in the January transfer window.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had one final 30-word message for departed striker Julian Alvarez last summer, the Argentine forward has revealed.cityxtra.co.ukManchester City manager Pep Guardiola had one final 30-word message for departed striker Julian Alvarez last summer, the Argentine forward has revealed.
Julian Alvarez reveals Pep Guardiola's final 30-word message to him before leaving Manchester City for Atletico Madrid
Failure to complete Alvarez return not a stain on an otherwise exceptional transfer window
There is a very good argument that this transfer window for the Citizens was one of the best in many, many seasons. With the exits of Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and more, a rebuild was a top priority, and Viana and co executed their transfer strategy to perfection.
For what was a quiet start to the window, the arrival of Elliot Anderson for £116 million was probably enough to satisfy the majority of City fans full stop - that was until the window really kicked in.
Offloading Savinho and Marmoush, who both joined Tottenham - the latter albeit on loan - was a risky decision with only one week of the window remaining. However, alongside Alvarez, there were plenty more links to attacking replacements until it was confirmed that Ndiaye had joined from Everton.
The most eye-catching transfer, however, was Fernandez from Chelsea, who provides unique talent and has a huge desire to work with Maresca once more after the pair spent time together at Stamford Bridge.
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has opened up on his departure from Manchester City having enjoyed an impressive start to life in Spain.cityxtra.co.ukAtletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has opened up on his departure from Manchester City having enjoyed an impressive start to life in Spain.
Julian Alvarez expresses Real Madrid and Inter Milan disappointment in reflection on Manchester City exit
Both signings, along with the rest that have joined City this summer, have taken the post-Guardiola era to a new level of excitement. Many were fearful of a collapse when the Catalan called it quits on his time at the Etihad Stadium last season, but there may be success lurking for Maresca and his new-look side.