The latest transfer news coming from the blue half of Manchester is that Atlético Madrid have reportedly agreed a record-breaking deal with City to sign Julián Álvarez.
Álvarez, 24, had hinted that his future at Man City was far from settled just last month after making some comments about his playing time and telling national media that he would “decide” after Argentina’s time at this year’s Olympics came to an end.
Well, the South American nation crashed out of Paris 2024 in a turbulent semi-final against France last Friday, which ended with a lengthy on-pitch scuffle after the full-time whistle, and it now looks as though that decision has indeed been made regarding his transfer away from the club.
As per The Athletic and several reliable sources, it appears Julián Álvarez is now set to join Spanish side Atlético Madrid after a deal was agreed on Tuesday, 6 August.
Man City signed Julián Alvarez for less than $18m in 2022. In two years he's won…
Premier League🏆🏆 Champions League 🏆 Club World Cup 🏆 UEFA Super Cup 🏆 FA Cup 🏆
According to multiple outlets, the 11-time La Liga Champions are expected to pay Man City £81.5 million to secure the services of Álvarez, who has largely found himself the second striker in line behind Erling Haaland and a squad player under Pep Guardiola.
ADVERTISEMENT
If fully finalised, this would be a landmark deal for City, surpassing the previous record fee of £50m that was paid by Chelsea for Raheem Sterling back in 2022.
While personal terms are still yet to be agreed upon, it is thought the deal will be for a five-year contract and also include stipulations regarding image rights.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was unclear how much of the previous talk about his minutes was merely posturing in an effort to become a more regular starter and how wantaway the forward was, but with a World Cup and Copa America already to his name, it looks as though Madrid saw their opportunity and have seized it.
The treble-winner, who has already won six trophies with the Blues alone, was signed for just £14m back in 2022 and will be moved on to the tune of £68 in profit.
Álvarez only signed a new contract with the club back in March 2023 that would have seen him stay until 2028, and Pep did respond to his comments last month saying that, essentially, the ball was in his court.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nevertheless, it seems the wantaway serial winner will soon be wearing white and red stripes, not to mention back in a primarily Spanish-speaking setting and under the tutelage of a fellow countryman in long-serving manager Diego Simeone.
The former River Plate did insist that he was happy at the club and would simply like to be involved in more big game moments rather than coming off the bench and being rotated in other competitions, but there’s no doubt he will be leading the line for Atlético.
What are your thoughts then, City fans – sad to see him go, not too fussed, simply wish him the best, or somewhere in between?
Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question
Danny Jones
Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.
Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.
Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:
The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.
Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”
First off, Reds – do you agree?
It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes on Ruben Amorim's tactics against 10-man Everton which frustrated him 😬 pic.twitter.com/AgsESuH83h
Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.
Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.
With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.
You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.
How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?
BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team
Emily Sergeant
First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.
The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.
Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.
The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.
Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC
The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.
Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.
Danny Jones -
6th August 2024 
