Manchester City look set to lose one of their most important players in Julian Alvarez but some stars may benefit massively from his departure.
It’s been a quiet summer transfer window on both fronts for Manchester City so far, with Sergio Gomez the only first-team departure and the arrival of exciting winger Savinho the only arrival.
However, things look sure to pick up the pace this week as the impending departure of Julian Alvarez could spark City into life.
The Argentine forward is closing on an £82m move to Atletico Madrid after two years at the Etihad Stadium in which he has won all there is to win.
Alvarez has been a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s side in that time, especially when replacing Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne when they were injured, so losing him could have a big impact.
Guardiola said City would only make new signings if one of his players left the club so a replacement may be on the cards but there are some players already at the club who could be ready to step into his place.
Here are five City players who will benefit from Alvarez’s departure.
- Who is Julian Alvarez? The striker who has won it all with Man City but is now heading to Atletico Madrid
Phil Foden
The most obvious beneficiary of Alvarez’ expected exit is Phil Foden, who finally looks set to take the central role he has been gagging for next season.
Foden was given more chances in the position last season and shone every time, proving he is more than ready to take up the mantle permanently.
The only thing that has stopped him from doing so so far is the competition ahead of him, with De Bruyne the obvious first choice while Alvarez has operated well there in his absence.
But with Alvarez off and injuries beginning to creep up on De Bruyne, with his playing time needing to be increasingly managed, there’s now little in Foden’s way to stop him from being the regular attacking midfielder.
Savinho
Savinho and Alvarez don’t play in related positions, with Alvarez only playing out wide on six occasions during his stint at City.
Yet, it could still benefit the exciting Brazilian to have an attacker currently ahead of him in the pecking order taken out, especially if Alvarez isn’t replaced like-for-like.
Alvarez will leave a hole but City may think the incoming windfall from his sale would be better spent on recruiting a capable Rodri backup. If that’s the case, there will be one less attacker vying for limited spaces and that boosts Savinho’s chances of game time.
In fact, the 20-year-old might even be a candidate to play through the middle if Haaland is ever unavailable. He has some experience in central roles and his lightning pace would make him an intriguing option up front.
- Who is Savinho? The ‘special’ starlet who tore up La Liga and is Man City’s first transfer of the summer
Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb enjoyed a fantastic pre-season tour of the United States, dazzling with his close control and intricate skill as he scored twice and set up another three in the four friendlies.
The young Norwegian impressed in his few cameos last season, so much so that he quickly earned a new contract and City have been sure to fend off any would-be suitors this summer.
Though he is versatile enough to play on either flank and deeper in midfield, his ideal position is playing in the hole as the playmaker and he has certainly shown he has the quick feet to pull it off.
Bobb is still low on the pecking order, now finding himself in the position Foden was in for years, but that is no bad place to be in. With Foden likely to spend more time in the middle, Bobb could see his own minutes on the pitch out wide dramatically increase next season.
James McAtee
James McAtee is aiming to do something no player has done under Guardiola at City: leave on loan and come back to join the first team.
Any aspiring youngster has either been promoted straight to the seniors or they have not made it at the Etihad with the Catalonian in charge. McAtee was warned about that when he decided to join Sheffield United to prove himself but his boldness could serve him well.
Despite playing for a poor side that finished bottom of the Premier League, McAtee still managed to enjoy a decent season, registering nine-goal contributions.
The 21-year-old looked even better during pre-season and is set to stay for the forthcoming campaign. It’s a golden chance to prove he is worthy of playing for the club and he has to take it.
With one less player taking up a midfield slot ahead of him, he could see the action he has worked so hard for.
Nico O’Reilly
The breakout star of pre-season, Nico O’Reilly is only 19 years old but has already enamoured Guardiola and is set to be in the first-team squad this season.
Playing time might be limited, as it was for Rico Lewis in his first campaign, but Alvarez’s departure means there is an opening in his ideal position.
The towering midfielder has made his name in the EDS in an attacking role, scoring some incredible goals, and undoubtedly sees his future there.
Guardiola has instead deployed him in a deeper double pivot this summer, which is handy to have, but there could be chances for him further forward, especially in cup games.
