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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
Co-op Live confirmed as the host venue for the 2026 Netball Super League Grand Final
Danny Jones
Manchester’s Co-op Live has booked its latest big event as the 2026 Netball Super League (NSL) Grand Final is set to be held at the massive indoor venue.
As one of the biggest indoor entertainment venues not just in the country but all of Europe, there’ll be room for plenty of UK fans to pile into the stands.
This being not only the NSL‘s debut at the arena but the first final to ever be held in the building, it’s set to be a historic night for lots of reasons.
Announcing the huge coup – not just for the increasingly popular female-led competition, but for sports fans around Greater Manchester in general – this week, the reaction to the big date on the women’s sporting calendar has been just as big.
As mentioned in an official press release, “The selection of Co-op Live for the 2026 Soft & Gentle Grand Final builds on the arena’s rapid emergence as a global destination for sport and entertainment, following a programme of major global broadcasts across music and sport.”
The 23,500-capacity and completely indoor stadium has quickly established itself as a leading destination for live music and more since it finally opened back in May 2024.
Last year’s Super League Grand Final was held down in the capital at The O2 Arena as the fast-rising franchise London Pulse beat Loughborough Lightning 53–45 to lift the title for the first time in history.
Now, the NSL is looking to capitalise on those record-breaking crowds by bringing the action closer to another foundational home for so many competitive disciplines: Greater Manchester.
With England Netball themselves being headquarted at the England Netball is headquartered at the National Squash Centre and Regional Arena on the Etihad Campus (next door to the arena), choosing Co-op Live only felt natural this time.
Elsewhere, another big tournament is being held up in the North, too, with the Netball Super Cup set be hosted at the Utilita Arena over in Yorkshire – much to our mates at The Sheff‘s delight.
Treat a netball fan in your life ❤️
🤝 Help them start #NSL2026 in style and get them tickets to see the Netball Super Cup live.
As for Co-op Live itself, general manager Guy Dunstan commented: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Soft & Gentle Grand Final to Co-op Live and to make history by hosting the first sporting final at the arena.
“Co-op Live was designed to bring people together for unforgettable shared experiences, and this reflects everything [we] stand for: world-class events, inclusivity, community impact and inspiring the next generation. We can’t wait to see Manchester play host to such a landmark moment for the sport.”
As always, official Co-op members get early access through the venue’s dedicated presale window, which will open at 10am on Monday, 2 March.
Meanwhile, general admission will then be available from the same time the following Thursday (5 Mar); you can get ready to grab your tickets for the Netball Super League Grand Final in Manchester at Co-op Live right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Co-op Live)
Sport
Pep Guardiola delivers important reminder about multiculturalism after Jim Ratcliffe controversy
Danny Jones
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an important message about the power of multiculturalism in his most recent press conference.
Guardiola’s comments come after the high-profile controversy surrounding his rival club across the city, Man United, whose co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, saw some of his recent remarks fall under major scrutiny.
In case you somehow missed it, the Failsworth-born British billionaire was heavily criticised after claiming he believes the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”.
Fast forward a couple of days, and while the club and the fan base are still dealing with the fallout of the story, Pep acknowledged the debate by reminding people that “embracing other cultures” makes for a “better society”.
Well put, Pep – in fact, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Although he didn’t reference the 74-year-old directly after being probed on the subject by journalists, the Man City boss reiterated that his time spent living and working across the world has only broadened his mind and enriched his life.
That goes for both his professional and personal spheres, by the way, as the Catalan coach has often spoken of his love for English culture and the Manc people, specifically.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup game against local side Salford City, Pep described the attitudes towards immigrants around the world as a “big problem” despite most people simply leaving their country in search of “a better life”.
He also drew attention to the fact that he, like so many others in football – a sporting industry loved the world round by people from all walks of life and that the likes of Ratcliffe directly benefit from – is an immigrant working and contributing to not just the game but the British economy by being here.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have since shared a public statement on their club website and across social media, reiterating to fans and supporters the world over that they are an “inclusive club”.
‘We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.’
The INEOS chairman, CEO and minority stakeholder in Manchester United Football Club, has since apologised (at least in part) for his “choice of language” following the divisive interview with Sky News.
In a world where plenty of people are quick to pessimism, negativity and turn to division almost by default, Pep’s message is one echoed by so many and is one that we should all keep in mind.
And for anyone who needs a more light-hearted bit of content on their timeline this week, here’s what else Pep said in his pre-match presser…
Pep Guardiola responding to a really intelligent question from a reporter:
‘Do you want to be my assistant coach, fucking hell, you are brilliant…’
Danny Jones -
6th August 2024 
