The future of Julian Alvarez looks to be City's biggest remaining story this summer

The future of Julian Alvarez looks to be City’s biggest conundrum this summer

Throughout this week, the future of Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has been a hot topic. Based on the events of this week, the future of the Argentinian international appears to be Manchester City’s biggest summer conundrum. Here’s a look at the week’s events and how they could shape City’s summer transfer plans.

Comments from Julian Alvarez and Pep Guardiola take centre stage.

At the beginning of the week, Julian Alvarez spoke about his future with Manchester City. In an interview that was translated and relayed by All About Argentina on X the City striker explained: “Last season, I was one of the players with the most minutes on the team. But it’s true; in the end, you don’t like being left out of important matches, you want to contribute.” Alvarez also explained that he will decide on his future after the Olympics. He added: “I haven’t stopped to think clearly about what I’m going to do. When this is over, I’ll take my time to think about what I want for myself. We’ll see what comes next.”

Following the comments from Alvarez Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked about the situation surrounding the World Cup winner. Speaking before City’s friendly against Barcelona Guardiola told the media: “I don’t think about replacing. I knew he said he will think about it,’ he said. Once he has finished thinking, his agent will call Txiki (Begiristain) and we will see what happens. I know he wants to play important moments, yeah. ‘But the other ones do too. 18, 19 players as well want to play the big games. I read he wants to think about it. Okay, think about it, and after that, he will inform us what he wants to do.

Lastly, Julian Alvarez responded to Pep Guardiola’s comments. TyC Sports published the response from Alvarez. When asked about Pep Guardiola’s comments Alvarez said: “I just said that I was going to think about it like I do every season to make an analysis of what happened last season, a projection of what may come. I always say that I am comfortable and happy at City, which is a great club. So I didn’t say anything bad.

What Julian Alvarez decides to do next will likely shape Manchester City’s summer.

It has been an interesting week regarding the news surrounding Julian Alvarez. But the Argentinian international is well within his rights to wait until after the Olympics before deciding on his future. Given he has been a part of Argentina’s Copa America campaign and now the Olympics he hasn’t had any time to consider what may be best for himself for the 24/25 season and beyond. But that situation may not be what is best for Manchester City.

If Julian Alvarez does decide to seek a transfer this summer the Premier League champions will require time to find a capable replacement for the Argentinian international. He is an important member of the Manchester City squad and plays a vital role for Pep Guardiola’s side. The sooner a decision is made by Alvarez the better it will be for City. They can move forward with Alvarez as a part of the squad or plan accordingly for his departure.

The situation surrounding Julian Alvarez is currently City’s biggest summer conundrum. What happens next could shape the champion’s summer transfer window. It is that important given what Alvarez provides the world champions.

Tags Barcelona Copa America Erling Haaland Julian Alvarez Oscar Bobb Paris Olympics Pep Guardiola TYC Sports