Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City could dip into the transfer market to sign a new defender or midfielder ahead of Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina international has agreed a contract with the Spanish side after only two seasons in Manchester, having grown frustrated with a lack of opportunities in big games. He started 31 Premier League matches in 2023/24 following injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland but is now set to move to Atletico for a fee of €95m (£81.5m).
City do not stand in the way of players who want to leave and Guardiola admitted he couldn’t begrudge the former River Plate attacker for seeking something different.
Speaking ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester United on Saturday, Guardiola said: “It was a joy to work with him. I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.
“He believes his period here must be over so both clubs arrive to an agreement. He’s incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but like I said many times for many players, he wants to leave and have a new challenge.”
Alvarez revealed earlier in the summer he didn’t like being “left out” when huge matches came around and was thinking about his future, words that provoked a response from manager Guardiola.
The 24-year-old later clarified his comments, insisting he was happy at City, but a move to Atleti quickly gathered pace while he was playing for Argentina at the Paris Olympics.
City haven’t been too busy in the transfer window so far this summer, with winger Savinho their only new arrival, but Guardiola revealed the club might make a new signing if the conditions are right.
He added: “Yeah, we will see. If we need someone the price we have to buy [has to be right] otherwise it makes no sense
“We will see the chances at the end of the market, if a club needs to sell more than now for example, so I don’t know.
“Maybe a holding midfielder who can play central defender or a central defender who can play in the position of Rodri.”
90min previously reported City are happy to replace Alvarez with options already in the squad, with 21-year-old academy graduate James McAtee impressing Guardiola during pre-season. Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb has also caught the eye over the summer with two goals and three assists in four friendlies and a starring role in the Community Shield victory.
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