Julian Alvarez Eyes Agent Change After Atletico Turmoil

Julian Alvarez is weighing up a split from long-time agent Fernando Hidalgo after a turbulent transfer period that has left the Atletico Madrid forward unsettled.

The Argentina international has held initial discussions with The Elegant Game, the agency operated by former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore. The company already works with Alvarez’s Argentina team-mate and close friend Enzo Fernandez.

Quick facts

Alvarez is considering ending his career-long relationship with Fernando Hidalgo.
Early contact has been made with Javier Pastore’s agency, The Elegant Game.
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said Alvarez had been “deceived” and “confused”.
The striker has played three times this season and supplied one Champions League assist.
Atletico host Real Madrid on Sunday while sitting third in La Liga on 13 points.

Atletico believe the uncertainty around a possible Barcelona move, followed by difficult contract talks, was worsened by Alvarez’s current advisers. The strain has damaged the relationship between the player and Hidalgo, who has represented him throughout his professional career.

Gil Marin delivered a stark assessment of the situation, saying: “Julian is really in a bad way. There have been people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive him, to confuse him.”

People close to the forward have reportedly encouraged him to seek new representation, believing his career and off-field matters have not been handled well during a difficult spell.

There has been no final decision from Alvarez. But his situation at the Metropolitano has become increasingly uncomfortable after supporters booed and whistled him amid the apparent push for an exit.

His frustrated demeanour during matches, visible irritation and quick departures to the dressing room after substitutions have added to the tension. Diego Simeone now faces a major task to bring the striker back into the group, both tactically and emotionally.

Alvarez has struggled for opportunities while the uncertainty continues. He has made only three appearances in all competitions, with his lone goal involvement an assist in Atletico’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Liverpool.

What happens next is likely to be decided quickly, with Atletico heading into Sunday’s Madrid derby. Simeone’s side are third, on 13 points, two behind second-placed Real Madrid and with a chance to cut the gap against their city rivals.