JULIAN ALVAREZ sealed his £81.5million switch to Atletico Madrid – but Conor Gallagher might not now be joining him.
Argentina striker Alvarez hailed his two “special” years at Manchester City as he arrived in Spain – whereas Chelsea midfielder Gallagher is tipped to return from Madrid WITHOUT signing.
Athletico MadridJulian Alvarez signed for Atletico Madrid but with a tribute to Man City[/caption]
GettyConor Gallagher faces returning to Chelsea from Atletico without clinching a move[/caption]
The 2022 World Cup winner says he is departing City – Premier League champions for the past four seasons – “with a lot of emotion”.
Alvarez believes he is a better player after two seasons working under Etihad manager Pep Guardiola.
But fellow 24-year-old Gallagher faces an uncertain future because, despite Chelsea accepting Atletico’s £33m offer for the 18-cap Englishman.
talkSPORT claim hopes of clinching the transfer hit a major obstacle when the Blues’s bid to to sign the Spaniards’ frontman Samu Omorodion in return faltered.
There’s no turning back for Alvarez, though.
And after his exit was announced he paid tribute to City, who signed him from home-country giants River Plate in January 2022 for around £14m.
Alvarez told City’s website: “Today I say goodbye to this amazing club, with a lot of emotion. These have been two very special years.
“During this time, I have grown and learnt a lot – both as a player and as a person.
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“To the directors and the technical staff, thank you for your confidence and support. Your teachings and vision have helped me to develop so much.
“To my teammates, thank you for every moment we have shared, for the effort and dedication in every training session and every match.
“I have learnt a lot from each and every one of you and I remain with memories and friendships that will last forever.
“I will always be extremely proud to have been part of this family.”
“Alvarez insisted City “will always have a special place in my heart” and added “I will keep on supporting the club wherever I may be”.
Etihad director of Football Txiki Begiristain described the forward as a “pleasure to work with”.
Begiristain added: Begiristain “His attitude has been first-class since he first walked through the door here. That’s why he has improved so much.
“The trophies he has won already tell their own story – he is a winner.
“I look forward to watching him develop further in the remainder of his career.”
In contrast, as things stand, Gallagher is expected to fly back from the Spanish capital without signing.
Chelsea have reportedly dropped out of the running to recruit 20-year-old Spaniard Omorodion after “complications” emerged.
The Blues were initially confident of landing the Under-23 international for £36m with Gallagher going the other way.
But Atletico are said to be unhappy at Chelsea not pressing home a deal for Omorodion, who has also been linked to Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
That’s left Gallagher’s own move up in the air.
Ironically, Chelsea host City in their Prem opener – this Sunday.
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