One of the more fascinating stories during this summer’s transfer window has been the future of Julian Alvarez. The City striker has surprisingly been linked with an exit from Manchester City this summer. Fabrizio Romano reported last month that PSG had an interest in signing the World Cup winner. Romano further reported that City had no intention of selling Alvarez this summer. Now a new report has emerged from Romano that Alvarez and Manchester City are set for talks following the Copa America.
Fabrizio Romano has now reported via X that Manchester City and Julian Alvarez are set to discuss his future after the Copa America. Furthermore, Romano reports that Alvarez wishes to play more. Lastly, Romano adds that PSG remains interested in signing the City striker. Lastly, Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City do not wish to sell Alvarez nor have they set a price tag for the Argentinian international.
Julian Alvarez is already a consistent member of the Manchester City first-team but could he play more often?
A look into how often Julian Alvarez played last season shows he was a first-team regular for Manchester City. As per statistics sourced from fbref.com, Alvarez made 52 appearances last season in all competitions. He started 38 of those appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side last campaign. Based on those statistics Alvarez featured in more games than anyone else last season for Manchester City. Phil Foden was second on the list with 51 appearances last season.
At face value, Julian Alvarez is a regular member of City’s first-team squad. So playing time doesn’t appear to be an issue. But where he plays may potentially be a bone of contention for the City striker.
As per transfermarkt.com, Alvarez played in a variety of roles for City last season. He played up front, as a number 10, in midfield and on a wing on occasions. Such is the versatility of the City striker he is more than capable of playing those roles well for Manchester City. But what is apparent is that he plays his best up front. That could potentially be where the issue lies. Erling Haaland is Manchester City’s preferred striker and that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. Perhaps Julian Alvarez wants the opportunity to become the main man up front. Perhaps he doesn’t. But as Romano’s report suggests that Alvarez wants more playing time perhaps he wants more playing time in his best position. It remains to be seen if that proves the case.
Summary
It will be interesting to see what comes from the reported talks between Julian Alvarez and Manchester City. A look into the situation suggests Alvarez is already a regular member of Manchester City’s first team. He doesn’t appear to be lacking in opportunities. But where he plays could be the issue. Attention will now shift to what comes out of the talks between the City striker and the club. That may give a clue as to what the future holds for Julian Alvarez going forward.
