Man City in line for multi-million bonus payment as Real Madrid pursue Julian Alvarez signing | OneFootball

Manchester City may yet benefit from Julian Alvarez’s rising value despite the Argentine forward having left the club two years ago.

The 26-year-old departed the Etihad Stadium for Atletico Madrid in 2024, bringing an end to a successful two-year spell under Pep Guardiola.

Alvarez won six major trophies, including a historic treble during his time in Manchester. However, despite impressing with his performances, the Argentine remained in the shadows of Erling Haaland.

Hence, the Argentine international sought a more prominent role elsewhere as he landed in the heart of Spain after Atletico Madrid bought him for a record fee.

Nevertheless, City still trusted the striker to make it big. They included a sell-on clause in their deal with Atletico to remain financially protected in the event of a continued value climb.

Real Madrid move for Julian Alvarez puts Man City sell-on clause in spotlight

According to Manchester Evening News, the FA Cup winners could be in line to receive between £4-7 million if Alvarez leaves Atletico for around £130 million.

The Sky Blues sold the forward for an initial £64.4 million, which later rose to £81.5 million, including add-ons. Likewise, the report states that Manchester City inserted a 10 percent sell-on clause on any profit Atletico make from a future sale.

However, the exact figure City might receive is difficult to calculate as the given range pertains to a specific deal worth around £130 million.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid had the same offer rejected, with Atletico hoping to sell Alvarez near his release clause valuation.

The Argentine’s release clause is set at around £430 million. However, no club is expected to meet that number as Atletico probably set it with the intention of swaying away interest in their striker.

Alvarez price tag could aid Maresca’s first City window

The potential money may not fully alter Manchester City’s summer budget, but it could still arrive at a useful moment for the club.

City are heading into a transition period after Guardiola’s departure, with Enzo Maresca expected to take the helm at the Etihad Stadium next season.

Likewise, a £4-7 million windfall could be valuable as it could cover add-ons in a separate deal or give the Carabao Cup winners some flexibility.

Nevertheless, Atletico seem reluctant to sell – unless the interested party meets the release clause, which seems over the top, with Transfermarkt valuing the striker at around £86 million.