Unlike the rest of Manchester City’s recent additions, the signing of Julian Alvarez was completed during the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola’s side had decided to let the Argentine striker continue his time at River Plate on a loan deal until July.
With 16 goals and six assists to his name in 19 appearances in 2022 alone, the 22 year-old continued to develop at a rapid rate in his homeland.
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The prodigious forward’s stand-out displays were undoubtedly catching the eye, as he won the South American Footballer of the Year Award for his showings in 2021.
In his early days at Manchester City, Julian Alvarez has already looked like an instant fit, coming off the bench to score against Liverpool whilst also making two Premier League appearances already.
The Argentine international has explained why staying on loan at River has helped him prepare for life at the Etihad Stadium.
“It has been good having that extra time to plan."
He continued, "There was not that pressure on me to move here with any urgency.
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"That gave me more time to build information, prepare for this move and the challenge of having to adapt to changing club and moving country," speaking during an interview with Sky Sports.
Since signing for the Sky Blues, Julian Alvarez has garnered a major following amongst the Manchester City fanbase.
During the player’s unveiling, a number of City supporters were spotted wearing River Plate and Argentina shirts with the highly-rated youngster’s name on the back.
The buzz stems from Julian Alvarez being a diamond in the rough, as well as the talent often being compared to club icon Sergio Agüero.
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With the now-Manchester City starlet’s fanbase growing on a daily basis, he has shared his thoughts on whether he feels the weight of expectations from millions across the world.
“There have been lots of comments about me and messages sent directly to me since I signed for City at the end of January.
"I have certainly felt it on social media, on the various platforms.
"There is always pressure, of course. What I want to do is to bring happiness to the fans with assists and goals.”
With one of the best young strikers in Erling Haaland also joining the Premier League champions this summer, Julian Alvarez was also questioned about the prospect of playing alongside him.
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“He is a big player, a great player. I have seen him a lot, scoring goals throughout Europe. It is very good for a young player like me to play with the best so you can learn," he explained.
"It is a good position to be in. Whoever I am paired with, the important thing is that City win.”
With Julian Alvarez coming across as unfazed and raring to make an impact in sky blue, Manchester City fans’ excitement around one of their latest recruits is certainly for good reason.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football