Man City told not to expect instant impact from summer transfer Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez will need time to adapt at Manchester City next season, former striker Paul Dickov has warned.

City signed Alvarez, 22, for £14m in January before sending him back on loan to River Plate until July. There had been talk in Argentina of Alvarez staying at River until the end of the Argentine season in December, but City and Pep Guardiola have made it clear he will be part of the pre-season squad in July.

Alvarez has started the season well for River, scoring five goals in six games, and City fans have been getting excited over the impact he could have next season. Now, City favourite Dickov has told MEN Sport he is excited about Alvarez's potential, but warned fans to give the new signing time to adapt to his new surroundings and Guardiola's specific tactical demands.

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"I think he'll take a bit of time, but I don't think that's any different from Pep Guardiola's previous signings," Dickov said, on behalf of OLBG.

"I go back to the likes of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish this season to a certain extent. City play in such a unique way that it takes time for people to bed into that.

"As for Julian Alvarez, I've only seen what City fans have probably seen from the internet and YouTube. But his goal record for someone so young is outstanding and let's not forget he's playing in a tough league.

"He's at the top club in Argentina, River Plate are an iconic club, and I was chatting to a few people last week who say he has an Aguero look about him. If you look at finishes and the way, he plays there's a few similarities."

In terms of what to expect from Alvarez, Dickov says City's history with Phil Foden and