Manchester City reportedly complete signing of River Plate striker Julian Alvarez

He will join the Sky Blues for a fee of 18.5 million euros

Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2022 by Marca.com

Manchester City are not expected to strengthen their squad in the remainder of the January transfer window, but they have reportedly reached an agreement for River Plate striker Julian Alvarez to move to the Etihad Stadium next summer.

Alvarez, who will move to Manchester City for 18.5 million euros, played in 45 games across all competitions for River last season, during which time he scored 24 goals and produced 15 assists.

According to the journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old forward will put pen to paper on a five-year deal and then join Manchester City in July after spending the next few months on loan at River.

No signings in January

This month Manchester City parted ways with Ferran Torres, who asked if he could leave and join Barcelona, but Pep Guardiola has made clear that the Sky Blues will not sign a replacement.

"No, we're not going to bring in any striker in January," Guardiola said back in December, as he is willing to place his confidence in his current squad, with the likes of Cole Palmer having been promoted into the first-team picture.

Gallardo's praise

Back in November, River boss Marcelo Gallardo recognised that Alvarez will receive a lot of praise because of his talent, but he wanted to highlight the youngster's professionalism and stressed that he was focused on helping the Argentine side to achieve their objectives amid speculation about his future.

"[Alvarez] is very focused," said Gallardo.

"He is a boy who doesn't get caught up in the hype and everything that is said about him. He takes what he is experiencing in a good way so that it generates good motivation for him. He integrates himself into the team.

"There have been no changes in him. It's difficult because he listens and it gets to him, but he has a good family, a good group of people around him."