Julián Álvarez, regarded as one of the hottest pros-pects in South American football, signed for Man-chester City from River Plate on Monday in a trans-fer that the Argentine champion said marks the start of a close relationship between the two clubs.
City has reportedly paid 14.1 million pounds ($19 million) for the 22-year-old Álvarez, who has played five times for Argentina and helped River win the domestic title last year when he scored 26 goals in all competitions for club and country.
Álvarez, who is predominantly a center forward but someone who City believes can play in a variety of attacking positions, will remain at River on loan until at least July.
“For us it is a pride that one of the most impor-tant clubs in the world has been interested in a player like Julián Álvarez,” River said. “It is a milestone,” the club added, “that marks the beginning of the link between River Plate and Manchester City, which we hope will bear much fruit for both clubs.”—AP
