The Atletico Madrid football club has finalised a deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for a whopping £81.5 million.
News About Nigeria reports that the transfer fee includes an initial payment of £64.4 million and an additional £17.1 million in potential bonuses.
Alvarez’s move sets a new record for Manchester City’s highest sale, surpassing the £50 million they received for Raheem Sterling last year.
City had originally signed Alvarez from River Plate for £14.1 million in January 2022.
Julian Alvarez expressed his gratitude to Manchester City, saying the club will always hold a special place in his heart.
He reflected on his two-year stay, saying he grew both as a player and a person during his time at the club.
Alvarez said City, where he won six major trophies during his two-year stay, will always “have a special place” in his heart.
“Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion,” he said.
“These have been two very special years. During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot – both as a player and as a person.”
Alvarez won numerous titles during his time at City, including the treble in his debut season and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
He scored 36 goals in 106 appearances for the club before departing.
Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised Alvarez as a pleasure to work with and a true winner.
Begiristain looked forward to seeing Alvarez continue to develop and succeed in his future endeavours.
Manchester City will begin their Premier League season with a match against Chelsea on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid starts their La Liga season with a visit to Villarreal on August 19.
