Pep Guardiola left ‘furious’ by Manchester City decision as Julian Alvarez leaves club officials ‘baffled’ over behaviour

Manchester City officials have been left ‘completely baffled’ by the behaviour of Julian Alvarez and his transfer stance over the course of the summer months.

The Argentina international has been linked with a multitude of potential moves away from the Etihad Stadium over the last few weeks, having established a clear desire for more opportunities as a leading striker.

The recently-concluded 2023/24 season saw plenty more opportunities granted to Alvarez in comparison to his debut campaign, recording his most productive season to date for the club in front of goal.

However, the large share of Alvarez’s outings came in the attacking midfield role, but remained trusted to stand-in for Erling Haaland during the Norwegian’s two-month absence through injury.

A openness to exploring other opportunities has brought about tenuous links to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, whilst Atletico Madrid have recently established themselves as being the most serious suitor for the striker.

But a new report has detailed plenty of movement behind the scenes which could indicate a greater problem regarding the club’s number 19, should information prove to be accurate.

According to the information of FootballTransfers’ Steve Kay, Manchester City are ‘completely baffled’ by Julian Alvarez’s antics in relation to his future at the Etihad Stadium, his fielding of transfer interest, and a demand for improved turns.

It is claimed that the 24-year-old again demanded improved contractual terms, despite renewing his deal in March 2023, only to recently turn down Manchester City’s proposal to the player when the Premier League champions accepted his wishes.

There is also a suggestion that Alvarez had a conversation with City manager Pep Guardiola regarding his game time at the Etihad Stadium, and the club’s head coach made an effort to utilise the player more often.

In a bid to ‘try and calm the situation’, FootballTransfers reports that City agreed to let Alvarez join Argentina for their upcoming Paris Olympics despite the striker having also featured at the recently-concluded and successful Copa America campaign.

On the decision to permit an appearance at the Olympics, the report claims Pep Guardiola was ‘furious’, while the player’s actions have left club officials ‘seriously confused’, believing ‘they have done everything possible’ to make him feel ‘valued and important’.

Julian Alvarez is not expected to feature for Manchester City until mid-September at the very earliest, with the striker eligible to three weeks rest at a minimum after his duties with Argentina at the Olympic Games have been completed.

Manchester City will likely return to the transfer market to seek a direct replacement for Julian Alvarez, should the player secure a transfer in the coming weeks and months, however any club wishing to sign him will have to meet the Etihad club’s financial demands.

The understanding in some quarters as recently as this week was that Manchester City would seek an initial transfer fee of €70 million for the 24-year-old, in addition to a further €20 million in potential add-ons.

City could also look to retain involvement in Julian Alvarez’s future by inserting a first refusal clause in an agreement, or a buy-back clause to ensure that the player’s potential and future remains somewhat tied to the Etihad Stadium.