While Erling Haaland has stolen the headlines for Manchester City so far this season, their acquisition of Julian Alvarez is looking increasingly like a superb piece of business as he continues to shine at the World Cup.
The 22-year-old forward joined from River Plate in a deal worth £14.1m but has struggled for regular starts under Pep Guardiola so far this season, with the form of Haaland meaning that he was never likely to start many games up front.
However, he has still contributed seven goals and two assists in all competitions for the Citizens so far this term and has caught the eye in his Champions League appearances, averaging an impressive 7.13 rating from WhoScored.
The fee that City paid was always likely to be a bargain when you consider that Alvarez managed a phenomenal haul of 54 goals and 31 assists in just 122 appearances for River Plate, but his superb form at the World Cup has hammered home just how well Txiki Begiristain did to sign him for the Citizens.
In six appearances in Qatar, ‘El Aranita’ has netted four goals for Lionel Scaloni’s side, including a brace in their 3-0 win against Croatia in the semi-finals earlier this week, which sets up an exciting final against France on Sunday.
During his thus far brief time at the Etihad Stadium, Alvarez’s Transfermarkt value has already risen to €32m (£27.7m), which represents a 95% increase on the fee that City paid to bring the Argentine sensation to England earlier this year.
Given his superb World Cup performances, that valuation is only likely to increase further during his time with the club, and if City do sell the striker in future, it seems almost certain that they will make a significant profit on him.
Guardiola will certainly have been keeping a close eye on Alvarez’s form in Qatar and might consider unleashing the 22-year-old more often in the Premier League, perhaps alongside Haaland, when he does return from international duty.
Either way, it seems clear from the Argentine’s World Cup form and increased valuation that Txiki delivered yet another transfer masterclass when bringing Alvarez to Manchester City this year.