Pep Guardiola Reveals the One Player He Wants Back at Manchester City

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his admiration and regret over former striker Julian Alvarez, admitting he would “love” to have the Argentina international back at the Etihad Stadium. The Manchester City boss made the revelation as Alvarez continues to impress in Spain with Atletico Madrid.

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‎Pep Guardiola reveals he’d “love” to have Julian Alvarez back at Manchester City as the Argentine striker shines for Atletico Madrid.

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‎Guardiola’s comments came ahead of City’s Premier League clash with Everton, reflecting on the club’s transfer decisions and the players who departed in search of more game time. Alvarez, who left Manchester City for Atletico Madrid last summer, has emerged as one of La Liga’s standout performers since making the move.

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‎Alvarez, 25, joined the Spanish side in 2024 following frustration over limited minutes behind Erling Haaland. Despite recording 11 goals and nine assists in the 2023/24 campaign, most of his starts came during absences for either Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne. With both players fit, the striker often found himself on the bench and opted for a move to secure regular first-team football.

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‎Atletico Madrid won the race for his signature, and Alvarez made an instant impact in Spain. The Argentine forward registered 17 goals and four assists during his debut La Liga campaign, helping Diego Simeone’s side secure a third-place finish. His strong form has continued into the 2025/26 season, scoring six times in eight appearances despite Atletico’s inconsistent start.

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‎Guardiola praised Alvarez’s development and success under Simeone, stating, “Julian Alvarez is top. That’s why now he’s at one of the best clubs in the world, Atleti, performing unbelievably. Maybe I’d love to have him, but I understand why he left.”

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‎The Manchester City manager also referenced other departures, including defender Aymeric Laporte’s move to Al-Nassr in 2023. Guardiola explained that several players from City’s Treble-winning squad wanted more playing opportunities elsewhere. “Aymeric Laporte, an incredible central defender and a regular for the national team, Julian and others who I would love to have now, but they wanted to play more and left,” he added.

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‎Manchester City were left short in attack after Alvarez’s departure, as they failed to sign a direct replacement during the summer transfer window. The club instead invested in winger Savinho from Girona and re-signed Ilkay Gundogan following his release from Barcelona. After a slow start to the season, City strengthened their squad in January, adding Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt to bolster their attack.

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‎Marmoush scored seven league goals after joining but has endured an injury-disrupted start to the current campaign, managing only two league starts so far. He returned to the bench for City’s recent game against Everton as Guardiola continues to rotate his options.

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‎Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are aiming to climb back into title contention after a mixed run of form. The club faces Osasuna next, sitting eight points behind leaders Real Madrid. Alvarez is expected to lead the attack for Simeone’s side, who are without suspended defender Clement Lenglet for the upcoming fixture.

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‎The Argentine striker has scored in three of his eight league appearances this season, including a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano and a brace in the Madrid Derby victory over Real Madrid. Alvarez recently returned from international duty with Argentina, featuring in two World Cup qualifying matches without adding to his goal tally.