Manchester City could demand major clause in any Julian Alvarez exit to Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City could yet demand the inclusion of a significant clause in any agreement with Atletico Madrid for striker Julian Alvarez, it has been reported.

The 24-year-old is understood to be considering his options this summer with a view towards securing more consistent game time as the leading striker within a starting line-up at one of Europe’s premier clubs.

With Manchester City currently unable to allow for such game time for Alvarez in that position, given the status and belief in Erling Haaland under Pep Guardiola, a number of clubs are now trying to take advantage of the player’s situation.

Paris Saint-Germain have made tenuous approaches to the player’s representatives earlier in the window, whilst Chelsea have held internal conversations about what it could take to snatch such a prolific name from a direct Premier League rival.

But it seems as though Atletico Madrid could be the player’s likeliest destination, with the club also able to offer Julian Alvarez and his friends and family a favourable culture and lifestyle, as well as top-level competitive football and a leading striker role.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, the Premier League champions may demand a ‘first option buy-back’ if decide to let Julian Alvarez move to Atletico Madrid, or anywhere else this summer.

That is likely a reflection on the belief that those within the Etihad Stadium have in the player’s future prospects, and how they still would like some say in the player’s longer-term career path despite their inability to give the player what he wants at present.

Alvarez recorded his best individual season to date with City last campaign, largely operating in an attacking midfield role in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, but also taking the lead striker role from Erling Haaland whilst the Norwegian recovered from injury in a two-month period.

Julian Alvarez is fresh off the back of yet another successful campaign with Argentina, claiming a second successive Copa America crown after their FIFA World Cup triumph in the winter of 2022 in Qatar.

An Olympic Games representation for Argentina in Paris this summer also awaits the 24-year-old, meaning he may not return to City duties until mid-September due to compulsory three-weeks holiday and another international break following in early September.