Why Alvarez left Man City for £81m and what makes him England's biggest World Cup threat

Julian Alvarez arrives at Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta as one of the most dangerous forwards England could face, having scored a stunning extra-time strike against Switzerland in the quarter-finals to help fire Argentina into the last four.

The 26-year-old spent two seasons at Manchester City before completing an £81 million move to Atletico Madrid last summer, and his form in La Liga has only reinforced his standing as one of the world’s leading attackers. Nicknamed La Araña — ‘the Spider’ — for his trademark web-shooting goal celebration, Alvarez is expected to partner Lionel Messi in attack against Thomas Tuchel’s side, a team that could include his former City team-mate John Stones.

Why he left the Etihad

Despite winning the Premier League and the Champions League during his time in Manchester, Alvarez sought a more central role than City were able to guarantee him. The move to Atletico Madrid offered him exactly that — a platform to lead the line consistently at the highest level — and his performances in Spain and on the international stage have validated the decision.

The release clause keeping rivals at bay

Alvarez’s growing reputation has attracted serious interest from across Europe. Arsenal are understood to be long-term admirers, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his attacking options. Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked, with the latter reportedly Alvarez’s preferred destination should he choose to move on from the Wanda Metropolitano.

Any potential suitors, however, face a formidable financial obstacle. Alvarez’s contract at Atletico Madrid is reported to contain a £430 million release clause — a figure designed to deter all but the most determined and well-resourced clubs.

The family man heading to Atlanta

When Alvarez walks out for the semi-final, he will have long-term partner Emilia Ferrero cheering him on from the stands. The couple, who both hail from the small Argentine town of Calchin, are understood to have begun dating in 2020, going public shortly after Alvarez completed his move from River Plate to City in 2022.

Ferrero, a former hockey player and PE teacher, has largely kept a low profile despite amassing more than 780,000 Instagram followers — a number that has climbed sharply during this summer’s tournament. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Amadeo, on 2 January, and the infant has made the trip to North America to watch his father in action.