Pep Guardiola has voiced his concerns that Manchester City could regret selling Julian Alvarez, particularly if injuries deplete his squad this season.
The Argentine striker, known for his impressive tally of 36 goals in 103 appearances and international success with Argentina, was sold to Atletico Madrid for £81 million.
Despite wanting to keep Alvarez as a reliable backup to Erling Haaland, Guardiola understood the 24-year-old’s desire for regular starting minutes.
"We didn't expect Julian was leaving," Guardiola admitted. "Although he had conversations a long time ago with other clubs and his agent, so it could happen, and in the end, it happened."
Guardiola expressed confidence in his squad as City prepared to face Brentford but acknowledged the challenges that could arise without a direct replacement for Alvarez.
“If we have many, many injuries, it will be a problem,” Guardiola said, noting that while players like Phil Foden, McAtee, Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva could step in, they are “different players to Erling.”
He conceded that letting Alvarez leave might have been a mistake, adding, "When everyone is involved with a chance to play, the performance of the team is always better."
With Haaland now City’s only recognised senior striker, Guardiola may need to rely on youth players like Oscar Bobb when he returns from injury or shift others into unfamiliar roles.
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