Julian Alvarez Highlights Two Key Reasons For Manchester City Move

Julian Alvarez has revealed the two key reasons for his £14 million transfer from River Plate to Premier League Champions Manchester City. 

The 22 year-old has become the latest Argentine to sign for the Sky Blues, following in the footsteps of the likes of Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi, Carlos Tevez and Willy Caballero. 

Alvarez, who was directly involved in 84 goals in 120 appearances for River Plate, has penned a five-and-a-half year contract with Man City. 

Despite agreeing the transfer in January, the South American striker is Pep Guardiola’s fourth addition to the squad this summer; after the signings of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. 

Guardiola has seen a major refresh to his Premier League title winning side, with Gabriel Jesus joining Arsenal, and Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake reportedly edging closer to moves to Stamford Bridge. 

The Argentine is expected to travel to Manchester this week, and the Blues’ new number 19 is due to be unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium at a special event on Sunday. 

Official: @julianalvarezzz is your new #ManCity #⃣1⃣9⃣. pic.twitter.com/IrUEMu9RFj

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 8, 2022

Alvarez, who has 23 direct goal involvements in 24 appearances for River Plate so far this season, is also due to be a part of Guardiola’s pre-season plans, with the Blues travelling to the USA for friendlies against Club America and Bayern Munich. 

On Friday, Man City officially announced the arrival of the 22 year-old, and the Argentine striker has highlighted the two key reasons for moving to the Etihad Stadium. 

The Premier League and Manchester City are two of the biggest factors according to the Sky Blues’ latest signing, with City set to keep hold of Alvarez despite interest from across Europe in acquiring the striker on loan. 

Since February, more than five European clubs approached #ManCity about signing Julián Álvarez on loan for next season, including teams in the #PL. The answer from @ManCity has always been the same: ‘No way, he is staying’.

[via @FabrizioRomano]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 20, 2022

Speaking in his first interview, Alvarez said: “The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world. As a boy I always dreamed of playing in Europe, playing for the best clubs, in the major leagues and so to be here today is a privilege.

“I have watched a lot of City games. It's very satisfying to watch them play. City are one of the best clubs in the world and they have an incredible playing style.”

Alvarez isn’t the first young striker to move from South America to the Blues, with Gabriel Jesus having initially moved from Palmeiras as a teenager for £27 million in 2017. 

City begin their Premier League title defence away to West Ham next month, though the upcoming FA Community Shield clash with Liverpool could provide Alvarez his competitive Man City debut. 

The two North West giants meet at the King Power Stadium on Saturday 30th July, with City competing in the annual season curtain-raiser for the second successive season and looking to win the trophy for a seventh time.

Coincidentally, the last time City won the Community Shield was in 2019, beating Liverpool on penalties after a hotly contested 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium.

#OnThisDay in 2019, #ManCity won the Community Shield vs Liverpool. 🔷🛡️pic.twitter.com/P8gP35Ek1Z

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 3, 2021