With Julian Alvarez scoring six goals in a Copa Libertadores match last night, he’s obviously the man of the moment in Argentina once again, especially because his departure from the Buenos Aires from the club is now getting closer.
The striker is set to join Manchester City this summer, and despite the Millonario’s wish of having him for longer, they know it’s very unlikely that Pep Guardiola would accept to delay his arrival in England.
Speaking of Alvarez in a press conference last night, River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo talked about their chances of keeping the player. He admitted that it would be very difficult, even though he also made sure to say how thankful they’d be in case the Citizens accept him staying in South America until December.
“It’s difficult, because there’s a team that made a great investment and takes a diamond in the rough. It’s very possible that he will play the round-of-16 of Libertadores and go to Manchester City,” said Gallardo (via Tyc Sports).
“If they want to give us the player until the end of the year, we’re not going to have any problem. We’ll be very grateful. We can also say that we’re going to prepare a footballer who is already mature, to take the leap and give him more flight, but I don’t think he will listen to me (chuckles).”
Julian Alvarez now has six goals and two assists in the six games he’s played in Copa LIbertadores this year. The continental tournament is the main reason why River Plate would like to keep him, as the knock-out stages are still to start.
However, since Manchester City director Ferran Soriano said this week they’re adding the striker to the squad this summer, there’s not a lot of hope coming from the Argentine side.
