Not many teams will lose their number seven and number nine in the same transfer window and emerge stronger. Yet for Manchester City, with Gabriel Jesus departed and Raheem Sterling set to follow, that is a realistic outcome this summer, because Erling Haaland will replace their firepower on his own, and Julian Alvarez has shown the potential to provide more-than-adequate backup.
With Jesus and Sterling leaving, City are now light in the right-wing area as Riyad Mahrez is the only recognised player in that position.
So while there are numerous versatile forwards capable of moving over to the right, maybe Alvarez could be a ready-made solution to replace the two outgoing wingers. ALSO READ: Julian Alvarez falls short of record in frustrating final River Plate game before Man City move Alvarez is predominantly a striker, scoring 54 goals for River Plate in 120 appearances, along with providing 31 assists.
At City, though, he will be second-choice to Haaland if Pep Guardiola continues his recognised formation with one forward playing through the middle.