Julian Alvarez and the hunger games.
Julian Alvarez’s £81m move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid is one of those deals that makes sense for all parties. So here’s 11 things about the move (I did 10, as everyone does, but I can’t count)…
1, £81m seems a lot but isn’t. Alvarez is a high-class No 9 in an era when they are rare. He’s 24, moving towards his peak and was on a contract to 2028. He’s a supreme professional, world champion and serial winner. Alvarez was playing for a club that doesn’t need to sell for financial reasons, and going to a club that absolutely needs his type of player and character.
2, Manchester loses a fine family. Non-League Abbey Hey FC have good memories of Alvarez’s two brothers, Rafael and Agustin, turning out for them in the North-West Counties League, and the excitement when Julian turned up to watch. The family have proved hugely popular, respected for their commitment to football and politeness to those who have encountered them. Safe travels.
3, Hunger Games 1. Alvarez wants to start, which is always good to see. He’s not content kicking his heels on the bench while Erling Haaland scores. Forty-one of his 103 City appearances came off the bench. He wants to start in his best position, centre-forward (not on the right wing or attacking midfield). He plays selflessly, responding to the demands of Pep Guardiola, but his desire at 24 to be the main central man is clear. Atletico offer that. Ever since he came on for Argentina at Wembley in the 2022 Finalissima, replacing Lautaro Martinez, his talent as a centre-forward was even more obvious and he ended that year as their No 9 winning the World Cup.