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.
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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.
The rotation policy that is typical for Guardiola will mean Alvarez will get chances, but maybe the right-wing area is somewhere he will get opportunities to bed in at City, too.
Of those 120 appearances for River, 42 came from the right wing, with nine goals from that position. He's far less prolific out wide, although his first year at City will surely be one of adaptation — particularly after playing without a break since February.
Maybe a role as cover for Mahrez as well as Haaland is a way to assist that transition period — similar to the way that Ferran Torres learned his trade across both positions. Sterling and Jesus will leave big holes in the City squad, however understandable their exits are, so the versatility of players like Alvarez could be key to minimising the disruption.
Using Alvarez on the right would also keep Phil Foden and Jack Grealish on the left, and also allow Cole Palmer to develop in his own time, rather than putting any unhelpful pressure on having to be Mahrez's regular understudy.
And with City expected to earn at least £45m for Sterling, they may have found an instant replacement for him for a whole £30m cheaper, continuing their incredible record this year of recouping any transfer money they have spent.
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