The 22-year-old racked up 53 goals and 31 assists in 120 appearances for Argentine giants River Plate, including strikes against clubs like Boca Juniors, San Lorenzo and Copa Libertadores opponents Sao Paulo.
His form has already seen him earn nine caps on the international stage, lining up with Lionel Messi amongst others.
Ahead of first season at City, we look back to what those who know his game well have said about him since his senior debut in 2018.
River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo (May 2022)
“He’s very centred. He’s a lad who doesn’t get caught up in this maelstrom of praise and everything that is said about him.”
“Julian is days away from leaving and he plays every game as if it were his first.
“That effort is contagious. Replacing Julian is difficult, so it’s important to replace him with performance.
“Today he is a player of great status, he has had impressive growth, and that is why he is going to Manchester City.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni (January 2022)
“He’s growing enormously. He’s a guy who, in addition to giving us a lot in terms of football, in training, is incredible how he works.
“We are happy for him. He is a boy who can contribute to us, as a striker and in other positions.
“It is clear that City is going to one of the best clubs and will meet the best. When you are good and play with the best, you are even better.
“It will only grow and it is very positive for Argentine football that it sticks such a jump.”
Former City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero (April 2022)
“Alvarez is mature, over time he will continue to learn things, he is learning more and more and Manchester City bought him for a reason. He is a good kid, he’s a phenomenon, shy and quiet.”
Former Argentina & Boca Juniors manager Alfio Basile (January 2022)
“Everybody is talking about Julian. I saw his very first game and was already in love, he is savvy, quick, he’s got a bit of magic about him.
“He can work out deep, one on one, he moves into space, he’s explosive... did you see his commitment and how he moves? I love how he plays.”
Former Argentina international Daniel Bertoni (January 2022)
“[Alvarez] is the best Argentine player at the moment. He is a great goalscorer. He shoots very well with both feet, even the free kicks.”
South American football expert Tim Vickery (January 2022)
“He is the best thing to come out of Argentine football in a while - he’s a really talented support striker. He’s been brought along really carefully by the River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo.
“He’s wonderful at taking the ball on the half turn, playing the pass and moving into position.
“You can play him right up top but moving to Europe he will physically have to adapt at first. But there’s real ability there and his movement is quick but his mind is quicker. He’s a really special player.”
First coach Rafael Vargas (January 2022)
“He is a very quiet person, very responsible and focused. Playing football has always been so natural to him.
“I remember one goal, when he was about eight or nine, when he beat four or five rivals and scored a rabona goal.
“That’s when I realised we had a different kind of player, who could be a world star. I was not his teacher. How can you teach a player like Julian? You can only advise.”
“We all know the talent that Julian has. But he is a very humble guy who has sacrificed himself and has worked hard to get where he is,” the Aston Villa star man said.
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (June 2022)
“He is going to do well at City. In fact, I think he is going to be a superstar. I wanted him to come to Aston Villa. Before the Copa America last year, I told him to join us. But it was clear that City were already in position.
“Julian is going to do well there. We are talking about him working with one of the best coaches in the world. He will bring a lot of quality, but also a lot of commitment to the team.”
Inter vice-president and former Argentina international Javier Zanetti (December 2021)
“He has had a great season. It’s not easy to be a forward for River and play at the level he has been.”
Atletico Madrid manager and former Argentina international Diego Simeone (October 2021)
“He has shown important things but he is still young. I like him because he has strength, speed, he has scores goals, has a good shot. Hopefully, he can maintain his form. Any footballer, if he plays for the national team or for River, is good.”
Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis MacAllister (April 2022)
“To play in English soccer, you have to be very complete in everything; physically, it is a very important part. All the players who are here are here for a reason; you have to get used to the speed of the game; you always have to be at 100 per cent.
“I have no doubt that Julián Álvarez is going to learn a lot and will do very well.”
Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez, and Stefan Ortega Moreno will all be introduced to City fans at a special event this Sunday 10 July.
Find out how you can meet our new signings or follow live on our official channels.
