Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Julian Alvarez will be joining Atletico Madrid, amid reports that the two clubs have reached a deal for the 24-year-old.
Alvarez is set to seal a move to Atletico next week in a deal believed to be worth €75m plus €20m in variables, which would make him Atletico’s second most expensive signing ever after Joao Felix.
Speaking ahead of the Community Shield match, Guardiola wished Alvarez well at Atletico Madrid, admitting that he wanted to leave.
🚨🔴⚪️ Pep Guardiola says goodbye to Julián Álvarez: “He wants to leave and Atlético is a top club, so it’s ok. Good luck to Juli, we loved him, we won everything”.
“I really wish him all the best”, says via @SamLee. pic.twitter.com/t91JEeobJg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024
Meanwhile he also played it coy on Manchester City potentially moving for another forward to replace Alvarez. In recent days it has been reported that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has rejected an approach from City in recent days.
🔵👀 Guardiola on replacement for Julián Álvarez: “We will see, we are discussing internally about it”.
“It could happen or it could not happen, we will consider and see what to do”. pic.twitter.com/EXseSbChIz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2024
The Argentinian World Cup-winner is set to be a major coup for Los Rojiblancos, and a statement of intent less than a year on from Diego Simeone signing a contract extension at the Metropolitano. Alvarez is expected to arrive in Madrid next week to sign his deal.
🚨🗣️ BREAKING – Pep Guardiola: “First of all I want to say my gratitude for Julian [Álvarez]. He was incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but if he wants to leave, a new challenge — Atletico is a top club. We wish him the best. I learned a lot from him, hopefully he can… pic.twitter.com/DNrcaTp3IC
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 9, 2024
