When Julian Alvarez will join up with Man City squad after completing transfer

Manchester City have announced new signing Julian Alvarez will join the club this weekend ahead of their pre-season schedule.

The forward, who joined the Sky Blues from River Plate in January, is expected to be part of Pep Guardiola’s plans for the new campaign.

Alvarez remained on loan with the Argentine club for the second-half of last season with his final match taking place on Thursday in their Copa Libertadores last-16 second leg 0-0 draw against Velez Sarsfield - the latter progressed with a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.

The 22-year-old joins Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega as new recruits for Guardiola this summer and all four men will be unveiled at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking on his move from River Plate to the Sky Blues, via the club’s official website, Alvarez said: “I am incredibly happy and I feel ready to play for City.

“This is, without doubt, one of the biggest teams in world football. You only have to see what this team has won in the last decade to understand the quality of the setup.

“I feel confident I can flourish here. The style of play Pep encourages is exciting and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“City has an amazing recent history of Argentinian players and I want to put my stamp on the Club in the same way Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Carlos Tevez did.

“I am so thankful for everything River Plate did for me and I want to thank the fans, staff and players for their support.

“But I am now 100% focused on Manchester City. I want to give my best to this club, help my teammates and contribute to Manchester City’s success.”

The 22-year-old, who has nine caps for Argentina, will wear the no.19 at City, and could feature in their pre-season clash with Club America on July 21.

Alvarez was a key member of the River Plate squad who secured the Argentine title last season, and netted 53 goals in 120 games for the club.