Manchester City are no strangers when it comes to seeing big-name players leave the club.
For example, after successful spells at the Etihad Stadium, figures such as Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have been sold by City to see them start new journeys at other clubs.
Nearing the end of another summer transfer window, Pep Guardiola’s side have once again seen multiple players leave the club either on loan spells or permanent deals.
Ahead of City’s opening Premier League game of the new season against Chelsea, a pundit and former top-flight star has shared his verdict on the latest big-name player to walk away from the champions of England.
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Alan Shearer highlights Julian Alvarez’s importance after Man City exit
In a recent column for BBC Sport previewing the new Premier League campaign, Alan Shearer had this to say in regards to City selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and what he offered the Blues on the field.
He said: “While I am sure Alvarez did want to start more games, especially the big ones, he still played a huge part in what they achieved last season.
“Alvarez started their first 25 Premier League matches of the season, in a run that lasted until late February, and at that stage, he had created the most chances and made the joint-most assists of any City player.
“Only Erling Haaland had scored more league goals for them by then, too.
“I know they got a lot of money for Alvarez but his versatility meant he did a variety of jobs for Guardiola, who loves to rotate his players but did not use anyone else as much as him in the league in the first seven months of last season.”
Alvarez is a big player to miss for City
Paying just £14m to sign the striker from River Plate back in 2022, City sold Alvarez to Atletico earlier this month for a fee of £81m (via BBC Sport).
Prior to this move, Guardiola revealed that the striker had told him that he was looking to get a new challenge this summer away from City.
During his two seasons in Guardiola’s side, the 24-year-old bagged 36 goals, supplied 18 assists and won multiple trophies in 103 appearances across all competitions.
Taking that into account and what Shearer said about what Alvarez offered City on the pitch, there can be no denying that despite the impressive profit they’ve made on him, the club have lost a big attacking threat from their ranks.
