EXCLUSIVE: Guardiola furious! Man City baffled by Alvarez's transfer antics

Steve Kay

• Updated: 23 Jul 2024 13:43 BST
• 4 min read

Exclusive

FootballTransfers understands that Manchester City are completely baffled by Julian Alvarez's recent behaviour.

Several weeks ago, the Argentine attacker and his camp began agitating for a transfer, with the player thought to be keen on getting more game time.

Alvarez joined Man City in 2022 as one of the biggest talents in South America, but he has not managed to displace Erling Haaland as the club's starting centre-forward.

Previously, the 24-year-old had still managed to score consistently in limited minutes, but his performances in the latter stages of the previous season left a lot to be desired, perhaps an early sign of his growing frustration.

PSG have held tentative talks with the player's camp, but Man City are determined to keep him.

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Guardiola furious

Sources familiar with the situation have now informed FootballTransfers that Man City are completely baffled by Alvarez's antics.

Man City handed the versatile attacker a fresh contract in March 2023, but we are told that Alvarez again demanded improved terms only to recently turn down the Cityzen's offer when they yielded to his wishes.

We also hear that he had a discussion with Pep Guardiola regarding his game time and that the tactician actually did try to use him more regularly.

Alvarez made the most appearances of any Man City player last season, but often came off the bench, ultimately only playing the ninth-most minutes.

In a bid to try and calm the situation, Man City agreed to let Alvarez join Argentina for the upcoming Paris Olympics despite the fact that the 24-year-old also featured at the recently concluded Copa America, scoring twice.

We hear that Guardiola was furious about this decision. The player's actions have left club chiefs at the Etihad seriously confused as they believe that they have done everything possible to make him feel valued and important.

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City's summer business

Guardiola announced in a recent interview that he does not expect City to be particularly busy this transfer window, though he did not rule out some signings and sales.

FootballTransfers understands that Guardiola and company are big admirers of Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze and that they would love to sign him.

However, they have concerns about meeting the £60 million (€71m) valuation that has been placed on him. No official contact has as yet taken place with the England star.

If Man City intend to firm up their interest, they will first have to secure some outgoings. Midfielder Matheus Nunes, who only joined from Wolves for €62m last summer, is the most likely high-profile player to depart amid interest from Tottenham.

Sources also reiterated that Kalvin Phillips is expected to leave. The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham but massively struggled to perform.

Goalkeeper Ederson is a player City are open to selling, though they are not desperate to get rid of him. We are told that the Premier League champions want at least €40m for him, but negotiations with Saudi giants Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad have proved fruitless.

Bernardo Silva is highly unlikely to leave the club. PSG and Barcelona are long-time admirers, but only the Parisians are in a realistic position to sign him. However, they currently have other priorities.