How Manchester City’s January transfer swoop could affect Manchester United’s summer plans

Manchester City have completed the €17m (£14.2m) signing of Julian Alvarez from River Plate on a five-and-a-half-year deal and it could impact rivals Manchester United.

The 22-year-old had interest from multiple clubs this month, including the Red Devils, but Pep Guardiola’s side have won the race for the forward.

Alvarez, who was voted the South American Footballer of the year for his 24 goals in 45 games last season, will remain on loan at River Plate until July.

However, his move to the Etihad Stadium could have a huge impact on city rivals United, due to Edinson Cavani being rumoured to be the man to replace Alavarez at the Argentine side.

Cavani, whose contract with the Red Devils expires at the end of the campaign, is set to make his ‘dream’ return to the continent, according to the Sun.

The newspaper claims that River Plate will be ‘able to meet the majority’ of Cavani’s £250,00-per-week wage demands, thus luring the Uruguay international to the club.

They add that at the end of the season the Argentine outfit will offer the 34-year-old a two-year deal.

How it will impact United

If Cavani opts to leave the Red Devils this summer, it would leave them with a big hole to fill up front.

Despite only making 14 appearances for United this season, the 34-year-old has been a fan favourite since his arrival on a free transfer in 2020, netting 19 goals.

His experience and eye for goal will be a big miss for the Red Devils, given the form of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and other attacking options in the squad over the past couple of years.

Cavani’s potential departure will mean the club will need to work even harder to bring a new forward to Old Trafford this summer - something that will take a hit if they fail to finish in the top four of the Premier League come May.

United have been linked with multiple names this month, with the focus on a centre-midfielder. However, with the news Cavani could depart this summer, their attention would likely turn to a forward option.