Manchester City’s Bold Move: Star Forward Set to Exit, Clearing Path for £120m Sensational Signing

Within the next year, Manchester City may lose a key forward, but it might open up a spot for Pep Guardiola’s team to sign a new, exciting player.

The only acknowledged forwards at Manchester City at present are Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and Jeremy Doku, so Pep Guardiola and the recruitment team have been talking about possible additions to the lineup.

In those negotiations, one particular talent has emerged as the front-runner, but that may also mean that one of the players indicated above may soon leave Manchester City.

The Argentine World Cup champion would bolster Real Madrid’s forward line, which is now without options after Karim Benzema left in June, according to the Spanish publication Sport. Real Madrid want to sign Julian Alvarez within the next year.

Alvarez won the treble with Manchester City last season, but there is a perception in Madrid that he would be open to moving there if the promise of regular first team minutes was made.

Although the 23-year-old has started each of City’s four Premier League games this season, he played less regularly last year and might be persuaded by a substantial offer. Real Madrid has long been interested in the forward, as seen by their past attempts to sign him while he was playing for River Plate.

Transfermarkt currently values Alvarez at just over £50m, though he would likely cost double that when considering his age and the fact his contract expires in 2028.

Should Alvarez leave, however, Manchester City could turn their attention to the promising talent of Brighton’s Evan Ferguson to replace him. The 18-year-old has shone in the Premier League since making his debut for the Seagulls last season, and his stock continues to rise with each passing game.

Ferguson will cost at least £120m, though, according to Sky Sports, and even then Brighton owner Paul Barber has previously suggested the Irish striker won’t be allowed to leave until 2028 at the earliest.

Despite this, Pep Guardiola might make an extra effort to sign him if Alvarez leaves the Etihad because he has already put him at the top of his list of potential new recruits.