Based on clear goals, Argentina striker Núñez has already conquered his homeland and now aims to make an impact in Manchester.
Julian Alvarez delivered one of the standout performances in recent Argentine football and had already shown elite form before becoming a world champion with the national team, starting and contributing four goals. His extraordinary numbers at River Plate drew attention from European clubs, but Manchester City, a two-time Premier League champion, ultimately secured him. The official transfer announcement came on January 31, 2022, with a gross fee of €21,000,000 and a net figure around €17,000,000 for the club.
The unofficial debut occurred on Wednesday 20 June in a 2-1 victory over America of Mexico, while the first official appearance arrived on July 30 in the Community Shield final against Liverpool. He came on in the 70th minute and scored 12 minutes later, though City fell 1-3 and did not lift the trophy.
The former River Plate star featured again in a friendly against Barcelona at Camp Nou on August 24, showing his bite soon after turning twenty-one. After a foul by the goalkeeper, he notched the team’s lone goal in a 3-3 draw. A few days later he returned to action, subbing in for Crystal Palace for half an hour as City overturned a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2.
On his first Premier League start he did not merely score a goal, he struck twice in a 6-0 rout of Nottingham Forest. His first Champions League goal came in a 5-0 victory against Copenhagen, and he sealed a memorable performance by scoring in the same match, finishing with a five goal tally in that fixture. The standout form continued in the group stage, with a 3-1 win over Sevilla that left City firmly atop their group.
Between November and December, Alvarez played a pivotal role for Argentina as the team rose to world champion status in Qatar and returned to City to a chorus of praise. His first goal of 2023 came from a penalty in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea, followed by another goal against Tottenham on January 19 in the Premier League, marking his first league goal since the World Cup triumph against Hugo Lloris, a little over a month after the final.
City faced a dip in form through February, and Alvarez did not feature in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, yet he found the back of the net again against Bournemouth on February 25 in the Premier League and later set up a goal for Foden in the FA Cup against Bristol City. He then delivered a double plus assist in a 6-0 FA Cup win over Burnley on March 18, reinforcing his growing influence for the team.
Contract extension through 2028
On Thursday, March 17, Manchester City announced that Alvarez had extended his contract with the club through June 2028. The striker had signed previously in 2022 for a deal running through mid-2027, but this season has reinforced the club’s confidence in his continued development with both club and country.
City’s football director, Txiki Begiristain, lauded Alvarez for his technical skill, dedication, and attitude. He called him a role model for young players and an inspiration for anyone seeking to break into top-flight football, noting his movement and natural goal instinct as clear strengths demonstrated in England.
Recent form and impact
In a visit to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, Alvarez entered the final half hour while the match stood level. The contest remained scoreless until Haaland converted a late penalty, preserving Citys push on the title race as Arsenal continued to lead the league standings.
All moments from Julián Álvarez at Manchester City
Julián Álvarez’s best goals and assists with Manchester City
- Alvarez moved into midfield, dropped a defender, and finished decisively in a 6-0 victory over Burnley
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A great strike from the world champion. Alvarez began the move, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a precise pass, and the Argentine finished to complete a superb FA Cup performance
- Excellent assist from Álvarez in the FA Cup
- The Spider celebrates his first Premier League appearance as a visitor
- Álvarez scores his first goal as world champion
- Goal from Alvarez against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
- Lovely strike against Sevilla in the Champions League for the title chase
- Álvarez’s first Champions League goal
- Double against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup
- First Premier League goal for Alvarez
- First goal in a Manchester City shirt
Which moment did you like the most
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