Manchester City will not enter this game to transfer the market to replace Julian Alvarez, he prefers to be promoted from within to fill the Argentinian's place tied by Atletico Madrid in the team.
Alvarez is on the verge of an £81.5m move just two years after arriving from River Plate, having been instrumental in City's success during that time with 54 goals and 103 assists.
He played in a number of positions and was the primary cover point for Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, who both missed games through injury in 2023/24. But 90 min understand that, instead of rushing out and wasting their time on a new signing, City's priority is to explore their internal options and reward existing players with more game time.
Academy graduate James McAtee has already been targeted by Pep Guardiola, who gave a glowing review of the 21-year-old midfielder, who can operate as a false nine, last month.
“I would like to keep him next season with us, because he is a special boy to play in small areas, in pockets, and we don't have many,” said the manager. “He is a player I have a high opinion of, and I would like it if he can contribute well to the team.”
McAtee spent the last two seasons on loan with Sheffield United in the Championship and Premier League, gaining valuable first-team experience in 75 appearances.
New signing Savinho is another way to make up for Alvarez's exit, as is Oscar Bobb. The latter is interested in Chelsea, but City do not want to sell and the situation is not the same as last summer for Cole Palmer as the 21-year-old Norwegian is already seeing an opportunity to play more.
City did not want to lose Alvarez, although the £81.5m fee for the man who wants to leave is good business in the end as it is almost six times the £14m they paid in 2022.
There has been speculation about a swap deal with Atletico Madrid involving Joao Felix, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona. But there have been no talks of such a deal, and the proceeds could be reinvested in the midfielder instead. Newcastle United winger Bruno Guimaraes, who has become a cult hero at St James' Park and a symbol of the club's rapid rise from relegation to European competition, is still interested in City.
READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, FOLLOW THE MASSES AND GOSSIP
Source link
