Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez has ended his long-standing professional relationship with football agent Fernando Hidalgo following a difficult summer transfer window in which his anticipated move to Barcelona failed to materialise. The decision marks a significant change in the Argentina international's career management after almost a decade of representation, bringing renewed attention to his future at the Spanish club and the disagreements that accompanied Barcelona's unsuccessful attempt to secure his signature.
The development emerged on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, after Spanish football journalist Rubén Uría reported that the 26-year-old forward had decided to discontinue his association with Hidalgo. The decision followed months of uncertainty involving Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and the player's representatives. Álvarez, who joined Atlético from Manchester City in August 2024, remains under contract with the Madrid club until June 2030, despite having expressed interest in a move to the Catalan side.
According to reports published by Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports and Spanish sports newspaper AS, Álvarez became dissatisfied with how his future was managed during the summer negotiations. His decision to seek new representation followed the collapse of discussions surrounding a possible transfer to Barcelona, whose interest in the Argentine striker had attracted considerable attention across European football.
Hidalgo had represented Álvarez for much of his professional career, overseeing important stages of his development and subsequent transfers. Their relationship extended back to his time at River Plate in Argentina, continued through his successful spell with Manchester City in England and remained in place following his arrival at Atlético Madrid.
The partnership covered a period during which Álvarez developed into one of Argentina's most accomplished attacking players. His achievements included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and securing major domestic and European trophies with Manchester City, where he played under Spanish manager Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona's interest in Álvarez became a major subject of discussion during the 2026 summer transfer window. The Spanish champions reportedly identified the forward as a potential addition to their attacking department, attracted by his versatility, movement and experience competing at the highest level of international and European football.
However, Atlético Madrid maintained a firm position regarding the player's contractual obligations. Reports indicated that Barcelona considered an offer worth approximately €100 million, but the Madrid club resisted efforts to negotiate his departure. Álvarez's contract reportedly includes a release clause valued at €500 million, strengthening Atlético's position during the transfer discussions.
The disagreement became increasingly public as the summer progressed. Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín expressed frustration over the circumstances surrounding the player's future, suggesting that individuals within his professional circle had contributed to misunderstandings about his position at the club.
Speaking in August, Gil Marín defended Atlético's determination to retain the Argentine forward, describing him as an important player and professional. His comments reflected the club's position that Álvarez remained central to its sporting plans despite speculation surrounding a possible departure.
Hidalgo subsequently responded publicly to remarks from the Atlético executive. In a message published on social media, the representative wrote: "Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain it, he would have to lie again."
The exchange illustrated the deterioration in relations between the player's representative and Atlético's leadership. Although the dispute attracted widespread attention, neither the public disagreement nor the unsuccessful transfer negotiations resulted in Álvarez leaving the club before the summer window closed.
Reports also indicated that the striker's relationship with sections of Atlético's supporters had become strained. Some fans expressed dissatisfaction over the uncertainty surrounding his future, particularly after public comments during the 2026 World Cup suggested that a transfer might represent a desirable outcome.
Despite the controversy, Álvarez remained part of manager Diego Simeone's squad for the 2026–27 season. His continued presence at the Metropolitano placed renewed importance on restoring stability around his professional affairs and concentrating on performances after a disrupted opening period.
Spanish reports indicated that illness affected the striker's early-season preparations and playing opportunities. His limited involvement during the opening fixtures contributed to an unsettled start, although his situation also reflected the wider competition for attacking positions within Simeone's squad.
The Argentine international has continued representing his national team under coach Lionel Scaloni. His involvement with Argentina provides an additional dimension to his career as he seeks to maintain his standing internationally while rebuilding momentum at club level.
Attention has now shifted towards identifying a replacement for Hidalgo. Reports from Spain suggest that Álvarez's father, Gustavo Álvarez, has assumed an important role in discussions concerning his son's next professional representative.
Among the potential candidates is former Argentina international Javier Pastore, who has become involved in football representation following his playing career. Pastore is associated with The Elegant Game agency, which has reportedly emerged as a leading possibility to assume responsibility for Álvarez's future contractual and commercial affairs.
However, no completed agreement appointing Pastore or another representative has been publicly confirmed. The process remains a matter of reported discussions, and the identity of Álvarez's next agent will become clearer when an appointment is formally announced.
The separation from Hidalgo does not alter the striker's existing contractual obligations to Atlético Madrid. Any future transfer would still require an agreement consistent with his contract and the applicable transfer regulations, unless another legally recognised mechanism permitted his departure.
For Barcelona, the development does not constitute confirmation that negotiations have resumed. Although the club previously pursued the Argentine forward, there has been no verified announcement establishing that a fresh agreement is being negotiated following his change of representation.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, continue preparing for their domestic campaign under Simeone. The club are scheduled to face Deportivo Alavés on Saturday, October 10, providing another opportunity for the team to strengthen its league position as the season progresses.
Álvarez's departure from Hidalgo's representation therefore closes an important chapter in a professional relationship that accompanied his rise from Argentine football to the European elite. It also separates the striker from an adviser whose relationship with Atlético's hierarchy had become increasingly difficult during the unsuccessful Barcelona negotiations.
For the player, the immediate priority remains his performances and responsibilities at Atlético Madrid. While questions about his long-term future may continue, the confirmed development is the end of his partnership with Hidalgo, not a new transfer agreement. His next representative will inherit responsibility for managing the career of a World Cup-winning forward whose contractual future remains firmly connected to the Spanish capital.
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