Julián Alvarez set to change representation after summer setback

Julián Alvarez is set to change his representation after an unsuccessful attempt to leave Atlético de Madrid. The Argentina international is expected to part ways with Fernando Hidalgo, or sharply reduce his role, with his father now directing the search for a new representation team. Javier Pastore is currently the leading candidate to take over.

Alvarez’s decision follows a summer in which his preferred move away from Madrid did not happen. He had become dissatisfied after Atlético failed to compete for the biggest trophies during his first two seasons there. Barcelona’s interest appealed to the forward, and he indicated during the World Cup that he wanted to pursue his ambitions elsewhere.

Atlético resisted the departure and Barcelona dropped out of the picture. Arsenal then explored the possibility of signing him, but Alvarez did not want a return to England after his Manchester City spell. He therefore stayed with Atlético, the club he joined from City in a €75 million move in 2024-25.

At 26, Alvarez remains Atlético’s centre-forward and is valued at €120 million. The change around him does not itself signal a transfer, but it marks a clear adjustment after the failed summer operation. Pastore, a former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, is considered the frontrunner for the role.