So far, it does not seem like Manchester City have been given any reason to rue their decision to sell Julian Alvarez in the summer.
With Erling Haaland scoring nine goals in his first four Premier League outings, the Atletico Madrid striker’s absence has not been felt by City.
So far, Alvarez has started three games and made five appearances in La Liga this campaign.
The former Manchester City marksman netted his first goal for Atletico Madrid in their 3-0 win against Valencia.
The Argentine has suffered a slow start to life in the Spanish capital.
Alvarez is yet to well and truly showcase in an Atletico Madrid shirt that Pep Guardiola’s side made a mistake by selling him.
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Man City player claimed to be secretly happy “Alvarez is gone”
As things stand, the fact that City pocketed £82 million (Sky Sports) from his sale seems like a masterstroke.
If Haaland had suffered a similarly underwhelming start to the 2024/2025 season, the Sky Blues’ decision to let the World Cup winner leave would have been widely criticised.
But the Norwegian always seemed destined to have a brilliant start to the campaign — especially after getting a full summer’s rest during the European Championship.
Tim Sherwood showered praise on the 24-year-old after he scored a brace in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory against Brentford.
Sherwood went on to explain why Haaland would be happy that City sold Alvarez.
On Premier League Productions’ The Weekend Wrap show, the pundit claimed: He’s a phenomenon. I watched this game and Brentford deserved more out of the game, but he was the difference. Look at him after the game, he was devastated he didn’t get a hat trick.”
“He’s phenomenal, He’s getting that opportunity now to score those hat tricks because [Julian] Alvarez isn’t there. He’s the only one connected to Man City — fans, players, staff, who is happy Alvarez is gone. He has an opportunity to stay on the pitch as long as he can and he can get more match balls.”
Erling Haaland would have taken responsibility after Julian Alvarez sale
After Manchester City decided to let Alvarez leave in the summer transfer window, Haaland would have realised that his role in the team has become even more important.
In the past, City always had the option of relying on the former River Plate goalscorer if the latter was unavailable.
But since the Sky Blues not only decided to sell Alvarez but also opt not to sign a striker, Haaland perhaps took the responsibility to step up for his side from day one this season.
Considering the pair always seemed to gel with each other on the pitch, it is tough to say whether Tim Sherwood’s theory has any legs in it.
Regardless, Haaland’s performances are helping Manchester City justify why they opened the door to the now-Atletico Madrid marksman’s exit.
