OFFICIAL: Atlético Madrid Signs Julián Álvarez

Atlético Madrid announced on Monday the signing of Argentine World Cup champion Julián Álvarez from Manchester City, with a creative reveal featuring a “Spiderman” drawing—tying into Álvarez’s nickname, “the spider.” After passing his medical and finalizing paperwork, Álvarez has committed to a six-season contract, keeping him at Atlético until June 30, 2030.

The announcement unfolded through the club’s official channels, starting with the Spiderman drawing and followed by a short video titled “Spider, a new red-and-white universe,” leading up to a statement introducing the highly anticipated forward.

"Atlético Madrid and Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Julián Álvarez, who signs with our club until 2030. He’s a versatile forward—fast, skillful, and great at linking up with his teammates," the club highlighted in their statement.

Álvarez’s arrival follows a series of squad changes. Memphis Depay departed after his contract ended, and Álvaro Morata moved to Milan following a €13 million release clause payment. The club then signed Alexander Sorloth from Villarreal. With Álvarez’s addition, Atlético has significantly bolstered its attack.

While official figures haven’t been disclosed, the transfer from Manchester City is estimated to cost around €75 million fixed, plus €20 million in variables, as reported by The Athletic. This investment marks Atlético’s most significant spend since the €120 million acquisition of Joao Félix in 2019.

At 24, Julián Álvarez joins Atlético with an impressive résumé. Over two seasons with Manchester City, he played 103 matches, scoring 36 goals. Last season, he played alongside Erling Haaland, starting 31 out of 36 Premier League games and 39 out of 54 total matches. His versatility allowed him to play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or second striker.

Now, Álvarez will join an Atlético attack featuring Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sorloth, and fellow Argentines Giuliano Simeone and Ángel Correa, though Correa’s future remains uncertain. Under Diego Simeone’s guidance, Atlético reinforces its ambition to compete at the highest level next season.

Julián Álvarez is Atlético’s third signing for the new season, following the arrivals of Euro champion center-back Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad and striker Alexander Sorloth. Meanwhile, the club has seen six departures from last season’s squad: Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savic, Gabriel Paulista, Memphis Depay, Saúl Ñíguez, and Álvaro Morata.

With this new addition, Atlético Madrid is gearing up for the challenges of the upcoming season with a refreshed and talented attack, aiming for major successes under Simeone’s leadership.