Julián Álvarez Considers New Agency Amid Transfer Speculations
The storm of the summer transfer window is still swirling around Atlético Madrid, and now it has reached Julián Álvarez’s inner circle.
According to Onda Cero, the forward is preparing to cut ties with long-time agent Fernando Hidalgo, the representative who guided him from River Plate to the European elite. It would mark the end of a long, successful partnership – and the clearest sign yet that Álvarez wants a clean break from the recent chaos.
A new face in his corner
Álvarez is weighing up an offer to join “The Elegant Game,” the growing sports agency led by former Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina playmaker Javier Pastore. The project has strong Argentine roots and already represents a cluster of high-profile talents, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández the standout name on its books.
A switch to Pastore’s agency would not just be a cosmetic change. It would reshape the team handling Álvarez’s next move at a time when his future is under the microscope in both Spain and England.
Premier League and La Liga still circling
The window may be closed, but the market around Álvarez is anything but quiet.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is described as a long-term admirer, viewing the Atlético man as an ideal fit to deepen and diversify the Gunners’ attack. Arteta’s interest has not cooled, even after a frantic summer at the Emirates.
Barcelona remain in the frame too. The Catalans pushed through a late deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal at the end of August, yet Álvarez’s name has never fully disappeared from their agenda. For the player, a move to Camp Nou has often been labelled his “dream move,” and his camp is fully aware that Hansi Flick continues to push for top-level attacking reinforcements whenever the opportunity arises.
Fractured bond with Atlético fans
Inside the Metropolitano, the mood around Álvarez has darkened.
As his transfer saga played out in public during the final weeks of August, the relationship between the striker and the Atlético fanbase frayed badly. Boos rained down from the stands, and at one point he was even prevented from going over to acknowledge supporters after a match.
The tension spilled into the club’s off-pitch activities. Official photos for the new season became a talking point on social media, with fans highlighting Álvarez’s expression and joking that the images looked like “hostage photos.” The humour only underlined a more serious feeling: the connection between player and crowd has been badly damaged.
Winter window on the horizon
Against that backdrop, the looming change of agent adds another layer to an already volatile situation.
For now, Álvarez is immersed in an intensive recovery programme, splitting his time between the gym and sessions with physiotherapists as he fights to regain full fitness for the key fixtures ahead. Those close to the squad describe a player fully committed to forcing his way back into the starting XI.
Yet the question refuses to go away. As the winter market approaches and a new agency prepares to take charge of his future, is Álvarez fighting for his place at Atlético Madrid – or for his next move?
