A recent report has shed light on the true reason behind Atletico Madrid's decision to lower the transfer fee for Sergio Aguero to Manchester City in 2011. According to sources, the club's then-CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, played a crucial role in facilitating Aguero's move to Manchester City. The transfer was agreed upon for a fee of 36 million euros, plus 4 million euros in incentives, despite Real Madrid's willingness to pay the 45 million euro release clause in Aguero's contract.
The report suggests that Gil Marin was concerned about the potential backlash from Atletico Madrid fans if Aguero were to join Real Madrid. As one of the club's most prominent players at the time, Aguero's move to a rival team could have sparked significant unrest among supporters. To avoid this scenario, Gil Marin traveled to the United States to meet with Manchester City's owner, Khaldoun Al Mubarak, and sporting director, Brian Marwood.
During their meeting, the parties began negotiations for Aguero's transfer to Manchester City. With no documents available at the time, the initial agreement was scribbled on a tablecloth, a peculiar incident that has become an enduring part of the transfer saga. This move ultimately allowed Aguero to join Manchester City, while avoiding a potentially contentious transfer to Real Madrid.
The report also draws parallels between this situation and Atletico Madrid's stance on Julian Alvarez last summer. The club refused to sell the young striker to Barcelona, another rival team, highlighting their willingness to prioritize avoiding controversy over maximizing profits. In contrast, Manchester City's willingness to secure Aguero's services demonstrated their commitment to strengthening their squad.
Manchester City's transfer dealings during this period have come under scrutiny recently, with the club facing allegations of financial irregularities. An independent commission has found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period, and Manchester City has until Friday to appeal the decision. As a result, all transfers made during this period, including Aguero's arrival, are subject to review.
The news has significant implications for Manchester City, as they face the possibility of penalties or even relegation if found guilty. The club has maintained that they have evidence to support their position and had expected the Premier League to act with integrity. As the situation unfolds, the football world will be watching closely to see how this saga plays out.
Aguero's transfer to Manchester City has proven to be a successful one, with the Argentine striker going on to enjoy a prolific spell at the Etihad Stadium. As the club navigates its current challenges, the memory of Gil Marin's decisive intervention in 2011 will serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between football politics, finance, and fan sentiment.
Key points
- Atletico Madrid's decision to lower Sergio Aguero's transfer fee was driven by fear of fan backlash if he joined Real Madrid.
