Pep Guardiola’s transfer mistake may have cost Man City title race and trophies

Manchester City has been one of the most successful clubs in Europe in recent years, thanks to Pep Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and an impressive transfer strategy. The club rarely misses the mark when it comes to player acquisitions, yet there is one significant decision that stands out as a mistake: the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid last summer. In hindsight, this move seems to have been a costly error, one that could have played a key role in Manchester City’s current struggles in the title race and their pursuit of other trophies.

City’s track record in the transfer market has been exemplary, bringing in world-class players who have helped build a dominant team. However, the sale of Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a hefty £81 million raises questions. While the deal certainly provided financial stability and a significant profit for City—considering they had only paid £14 million to River Plate for the Argentina international in 2022—there are concerns about how this decision has impacted their season.

Julian Alvarez was an important player for Manchester City in the 2022/23 season. Though often overshadowed by the star power of Erling Haaland, Alvarez proved to be a versatile and valuable asset. He scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists, contributing significantly to City’s Treble-winning campaign. Alvarez was not just a goalscorer but also a creator, offering an additional dimension to City’s attacking play.

His work rate, technical skills, and ability to play in various attacking roles made him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system. He could play as a striker, operating alongside Haaland, or drop deeper into midfield to provide creativity and support. The flexibility Alvarez brought to City’s attack allowed Guardiola to rotate his squad and maintain high levels of performance throughout the season. His presence added depth and options, something that could have proven crucial in a season filled with injuries and challenges.

However, despite his crucial role in City’s success, Guardiola made the decision to sell Alvarez to Atletico Madrid. The decision was met with mixed reactions, and many wondered if it was the right move. Alvarez’s departure left a gap in City’s attacking options, one that has become more noticeable as the season has progressed.

Since his move to Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has been in outstanding form, showcasing his ability to thrive in a new environment. In his first season with Atletico, Alvarez has scored 22 goals and provided five assists, becoming one of La Liga’s top scorers. His performances have caught the attention of football fans and pundits alike, with his goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League being particularly memorable. The strike, a brilliant individual effort, was a key moment in Atletico’s European campaign, keeping them alive in the competition and highlighting Alvarez’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

This is where the regret for Manchester City becomes apparent. Alvarez has not only continued to perform at a high level but has arguably taken his game to another level since leaving the Etihad. His performances for Atletico Madrid have shown that he is more than capable of leading the line for a top club, and his success in Spain only adds weight to the argument that City could have used his talents this season.

Manchester City’s 2024/25 season has not been without its difficulties. Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in the world, the team has struggled to maintain the same level of dominance that they exhibited in previous seasons. One of the primary issues has been injuries to key players, with several members of the squad unable to maintain their fitness throughout the campaign. This has affected City’s overall performance, and the absence of players like Alvarez has been noticeable.

Alvarez’s departure left City with fewer attacking options, and this has become more apparent as the season has progressed. Erling Haaland has continued to perform well, but there have been times when the Norwegian striker has struggled to find his rhythm. Having Alvarez as an alternative would have given Guardiola the option to rotate and rest Haaland during difficult spells, ensuring that the team remained competitive across all competitions.

Moreover, Alvarez’s versatility could have provided City with more options in attack. The Argentina international is capable of playing as a central striker, but he is also comfortable in a deeper, creative role. This flexibility could have been useful in Guardiola’s system, especially during matches when City needed a more dynamic attacking presence.

In contrast to the sale of Alvarez, Manchester City opted to bring back Ilkay Gundogan after he left for Barcelona in 2023. Gundogan had been a key player for City during his time at the club, winning multiple titles and providing important goals in crucial moments. However, his return has not had the same impact as his previous stint at the Etihad.

Gundogan’s performances this season have been underwhelming compared to his prime years at City. The German midfielder, now in the latter stages of his career, has lacked the energy and dynamism that made him such a key figure in City’s midfield. While he has provided leadership and experience, his lack of pace and physicality has been a noticeable factor, especially in high-intensity matches. This contrasts sharply with Alvarez, who, at just 23 years old, has the freshness and vigor to make a significant impact in Guardiola’s high-pressing, fast-paced system.

The decision to bring Gundogan back instead of keeping Alvarez highlights a key tactical issue for Guardiola. While Gundogan offers valuable experience, he does not possess the same level of versatility or youthful energy that Alvarez does. In a season where City has been forced to deal with injuries and fatigue, the presence of a player like Alvarez could have made a difference, particularly in attacking situations where the team has struggled to break down opponents.

Looking back at the sale of Julian Alvarez, it is clear that it could be one of the key mistakes of Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City. The £81 million fee from Atletico Madrid was undoubtedly a significant amount, and it may have helped the club balance their books and reinvest in other areas of the squad. However, the long-term impact of losing a player like Alvarez may outweigh the immediate financial gain.

City’s struggles this season have highlighted just how valuable Alvarez could have been. His goal-scoring ability, work rate, and versatility would have given Guardiola more options in attack, allowing the team to remain competitive across all competitions. With City now lagging behind in the title race and facing challenges in the Champions League, one has to wonder how different the situation would have been if Alvarez had remained at the Etihad.

The situation is made even more frustrating by Alvarez’s continued success at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine striker has proven that he is capable of performing at the highest level, and his performances in Spain only make it clearer that Manchester City let go of a player with immense potential. If Atletico Madrid manages to turn around their Champions League tie against Real Madrid, the regret surrounding Alvarez’s departure will only grow.

While Pep Guardiola’s record at Manchester City is largely untarnished, the decision to sell Julian Alvarez may be one that he will regret. The Argentine forward’s move to Atletico Madrid has proven to be a successful one, and his performances this season have demonstrated just how valuable he could have been to City. Given the challenges the club has faced this season, Alvarez’s presence in the squad may have provided the depth and attacking options needed to maintain their dominance.

Ultimately, it is easy to criticize a transfer decision in hindsight, but the sale of Alvarez is one that stands out as a potential mistake. As Manchester City looks to rebuild and reassert themselves as one of the top teams in Europe, it will be interesting to see how they address their current issues and whether they regret parting ways with one of their most promising young talents.