Alvarez weighs agent switch amid Atleti–Barcelona transfer fallout

Three appearances. One assist. Zero goals. That is Julian Alvarez’s competitive output for Atletico Madrid so far this season — a statistical backdrop to escalating off-field turbulence.

Tensions rooted in summer transfer saga

The Argentine international is reportedly weighing a break from Fernando Hidalgo, the agent who has represented him throughout his entire professional career. According to Onda Cero, the rupture stems directly from the protracted and publicly fraught negotiations surrounding a potential move to Barcelona — a process that intensified friction between Alvarez, Atletico Madrid, and external parties.

Alvarez has already held preliminary discussions with The Elegant Game, an agency led by former Paris Saint-Germain player Javier Pastore. The firm currently represents Enzo Fernandez, Alvarez’s close friend and Argentina national teammate — a connection cited as a potential facilitator for any formal transition.

Atletico leadership cites representation as source of instability

Within Atletico Madrid’s hierarchy, responsibility for the confusion and strain has been placed squarely on Alvarez’s current representation. Club executives contend that outside influences amplified uncertainty during contract talks and clouded decision-making at a critical moment in the transfer window.

Miguel Angel Gil Marin, CEO of Atletico Madrid, spoke openly about the situation. “Julian is really in a bad way,” he said. “There have been people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive him, to confuse him.”

Fractured relationship with club and supporters

Alvarez’s standing at the Metropolitano has deteriorated sharply. Supporters have booed and whistled him during recent matches, reacting to his publicly visible desire to leave. His body language on the pitch, visible frustration, and habit of exiting immediately after being substituted have further strained relations — not only with fans but also within the squad itself.

Manager Diego Simeone now faces a dual challenge: reintegrating a disengaged striker tactically while managing the emotional fallout across the dressing room.

Pressure mounts ahead of Real Madrid derby

The timing of the crisis is especially precarious. Atletico Madrid prepares to host Real Madrid in the Madrid derby on Sunday — a fixture carrying heightened stakes given the league table. Simeone’s side sits third in La Liga with 13 points, two points behind second-placed Real Madrid.

According to Mundo Deportivo, those closest to Alvarez have urged him for some time to consider a change in representation, citing concerns over how his career and personal affairs were handled during the summer’s turbulence.