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Julián Álvarez’s move from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid for £81.5 million in August 2024 came with high expectations. But it wasn’t an instant success. He struggled to find the back of the net, failing to register a goal in his first seven La Liga matches. His finishing was off, his decision-making inconsistent, and the always critical Spanish press questioned whether Atlético had overpaid for him.
Then, something clicked. Under Diego Simeone, Álvarez adapted to Atlético’s high-intensity, counter-attacking style. His pressing, movement, and link-up play became essential to their system. The defining moment came in a Champions League clash against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he bagged a brace and silenced doubters. Since then, he has been a key player, delivering in crucial moments and evolving into Atlético’s attacking leader.
Manchester City’s Costly Mistake?
Manchester City’s decision to sell Álvarez might go down as a miscalculation. A player once seen as a rotational option is now thriving in Spain, making a name for himself as one of La Liga’s most dangerous forwards. Atlético Madrid took the gamble, and it’s paying off. Guardiola, on the other hand, might soon regret letting him go.
It might be difficult to see Álvarez’s long-term value. While they profited financially from his sale, they lost a forward who could have offered versatility, depth, and a Plan B to not just Erling Haaland, but De Bruyne as well. With City’s packed fixture schedule, occasional struggles, and not to leave out the many injuries this season. Álvarez’s creativity and relentless energy could have been a game-changer.
Comparisons to David Villa
Many have drawn comparisons between Álvarez and former Atlético striker David Villa. Both are intelligent, ambidextrous, and capable of thriving in tight spaces. While Villa arrived at Atlético as an established star, Álvarez is proving himself game by game, and the similarities in their playing style suggest he could have an equally impactful legacy at the club.
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The Telegraph detail significant issue as Chelsea look to complete deal for Alejandro Garnacho
Everton could target some fringe Arsenal players soon
Arsenal have already completed some business during the current transfer window, but there is a strong possibility that further departures will take place before the deadline. While Mikel Arteta has assembled one of the most competitive squads in the Premier League, its size could present challenges in terms of squad management. A larger squad can lead to difficulties in ensuring sufficient game time for every player, which can impact morale and performance. Furthermore, any successful sales could free up resources to target additional signings before the window closes. The club are understood to be waiting for concrete approaches for certain players who are considered available for transfer. Everton emerge as a potential destination In the coming days, outgoings from the Emirates Stadium appear increasingly likely. According to Football Insider, Everton has been identified as a possible destination for some of Arsenal’s fringe players. The Merseyside club are preparing for the new season following the departure of several members of their own squad, creating a need for reinforcements in key positions. A source informed the publication that Everton is expected to attempt to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko, as well as other players who are not currently in Arteta’s first-choice plans. The aim would be to add both quality and depth to their side ahead of the Premier League campaign. While Zinchenko’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, his potential departure would still represent a significant change for Arsenal, given his previous role as a regular starter. However, the emergence of competition in his position has reduced his game time, making a transfer more plausible. Balancing departures and squad stability For Arsenal, the challenge will be to ensure that departures do not compromise the depth and versatility of the squad. Although selling certain players could generate funds and create room for new arrivals, it will be important to retain adequate cover across all positions to handle the demands of the season. Everton’s interest could assist Arsenal in moving on players who are surplus to requirements, but the club will likely remain open to approaches from elsewhere. Maintaining a balance between trimming the squad and keeping enough options to remain competitive will be a key consideration for Arteta and his staff as the transfer deadline approaches. __________________________________________________________________________________________
Paul Joyce revelation will add to Liverpool fans’ delight about impending Giovanni Leoni transfer
Five best NFL offseason value signings on offense: Bills get great deal with RB extension
Few know how to spend money like an NFL front office. This offseason, teams handed out over $4 billion in extensions alone, not to mention the several other billions spent in free agency. But which were the shrewdest investments? Below, we examine the best value signings at five positions on offense: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and offensive line. Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith Contract: Two years, $75 million ($65.5M guaranteed) Shortly after acquiring Smith in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, the Raiders extended the 2022 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year to a contract that raises the Raiders' floor while maintaining flexibility. Smith has a manageable $26.5M cap hit in 2026, when Over The Cap projects Las Vegas to have the third-most cap space ($78.7M) based on an estimated 5.8 percent cap increase. Since 2022, Smith has the third-highest completion percentage (68.5 percent) among 32 quarterbacks with at least 20 starts during that span. He's also tied with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the second-most fourth-quarter comebacks (10) and trails only Mahomes in game-winning drives. Buffalo Bills running back James Cook Contract: Four years, $48M ($30M guaranteed) Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams pierced Cook's bubble when he signed a three-year, $33M extension on Aug. 5. The Bills running back sought $15M per year, making his $12M in annual average value (AAV) a huge win for Buffalo. Over Cook's first three seasons, he's averaged 4.9 yards per carry. In 2024, he led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. With just 533 career tackles, Cook doesn't have the wear-and-tear of other backs who've made splashes early in their careers, raising hopes that he can withstand the workload that comes with being Buffalo's featured back. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins Contract: Four years, $115M ($40.9M guaranteed) The Bengals retained Higgins at a remarkable price, keeping him in Cincinnati at less than $30M per year, the going rate for the league's top wideouts. Per Spotrac, while Higgins is No. 10 in AAV among wide receivers, he ranks just outside the top 20 in guaranteed money. Last season, Higgins averaged 75.9 receiving yards per game, his most since 2021, and scored a career-high 10 touchdowns despite missing five games due to injury. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride Contract: Four years, $76M ($43M guaranteed) The 2024 first-team All-Pro ranks No. 1 among tight ends in guaranteed salary. However, if he continues producing numbers more akin to WR1s — last season, he had 111 receptions, 1,146 receiving yards and two touchdowns — his contract will be one of the league's better bargains. Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley Contract: Three years, $60M ($44M guaranteed) Stanley's journey back from a devastating 2020 lower leg injury culminated in the 2019 first-team All-Pro being named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his first nine seasons last year. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft was rewarded with a contract that will keep him in Baltimore through his age-33 season. In terms of average annual value, his extension ranks below other left tackles who signed contracts this offseason, and not just younger players such as Rashawn Slater (Los Angeles Chargers), who was recently lost for the season, and Bernhard Raimann (Indianapolis Colts). Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews, 33, is averaging $22.5M on his current deal, while Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller, 29, is set to earn $22M per year through 2028.
Steelers’ Cam Heyward blasted by former GM amid contract drama
Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward is in the middle of a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it’s unclear when it will end. With the regular season quickly approaching, a former NFL general manager went out of his way to blast Heyward over the situation. During an appearance on “93.7 The Fan Wednesday Morning,” former Buffalo Bills general manager and Steelers executive Doug Whaley blasted Heyward for getting into a contract dispute after just signing an extension last offseason. Overall, Whaley believes that Heyward is overstepping his bounds by asking for another revised contract. “Think about this. The 15 years of goodwill Cam Heyward has gained in the public and on the team, it’s smashed over this lack of foresight,” proclaimed Whaley. So to me, it’s an abject failure for Cam. So, I can understand why he has such vitriol from the fans because you should have [done] this before.. In the end, it’s not on the Steelers. This is on Cam Heyward and his camp.” Heyward, who is 36 years old, most recently signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Steelers. The deal has Cam Heyward with the organization through the 2026-27 campaign. He received $16 million in guaranteed money on the deal with a $14.7 million signing bonus. Last season, the seven-time Pro Bowler put up ridiculous numbers, as he is still regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. He ended the 2024-25 season with 71 combined tackles (35 solo), 20 quarterback hits, 8.0 sacks, and 12 tackles for a loss. Cam Heyward recently opened up and shared that he feels his performance from last season deserves more pay. The Steelers star also admitted that after originally signing his current contract that he told the front office that he would be back asking for more pay after having an All-Pro season. Heyward did, in fact, have an All-Pro season last year, making it the fourth time in his career that he achieved that feat. Only time will tell if the Steelers give in or not. At the very least, Cam Heyward is a hold-in, as he’s at least arriving at the facility during training camp. However, that is more so to avoid being fined.
Cowboys fans won't like Jerry Jones' update on Micah Parsons standoff
With the regular season approaching, the Dallas Cowboys should be aiming to extend EDGE Micah Parsons promptly. But they're still in no rush to do that. Parsons is set to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2025 and has requested a trade. Dallas insists it has no plans to move the 26-year-old pass-rusher but hasn't clarified when it will extend him. Giving him a new deal before the regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock) seems wise. Dallas owner Jerry Jones, however, said that's not the team's deadline, nor does it need one. "No, not at all," Jones said Wednesday, via Jonah Javad of WFAA-TV in Dallas. "You don't have deadlines when you're playing under contract." Parsons is under contract, but that doesn't mean he must suit up. The EDGE could hold out of regular-season games, like former Cowboys star running back Emmitt Smith did in 1993. The Pro Football Hall of Famer missed the first two games of the season before becoming the league's highest-paid RB at that time. Parsons hasn't said whether he would hold out of regular-season games, but it's apparent he's unhappy with where things stand. "My mouth is closed," Parsons said Wednesday while leaving the practice field in Oxnard, California, via Field Level Media. Jones didn't say if talks with Parsons would resume when the Cowboys return to Texas for their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The owner still seems confident Parsons will play on the fifth-year option if Dallas doesn't sign him before the start of the regular season. "Again, all you've got to go on are contracts," Jones said. "We are negotiating for a contract. When you do a contract, you would hope that after a negotiation, that's what both the team and player look to see what our obligations are. I have a lot of respect for the contract." Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb played the last years of their rookie contracts. Perhaps Jones wants Parsons to do the same. Still, that would be silly. Paying the four-time Pro Bowler should be a no-brainer for the Cowboys, so they should stop wasting time and show him the money.
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