Julian Alvarez considers changing agents after unsettled Atletico Madrid summer

Julian Alvarez is considering ending his long-standing relationship with agent Fernando Hidalgo, with an Argentine agency linked to former Argentina international Javier Pastore reportedly leading the race to represent him.

The decision could reshape the next stage of the Atletico Madrid forward’s career, although no final agreement has yet been signed. According to Spanish newspaper AS, negotiations with the agency have reached an advanced stage.

Hidalgo has managed Alvarez’s affairs for about a decade, but the player’s inner circle began exploring alternative representation after the transfer window closed. Alvarez’s father, Gustavo Alvarez, has played a central role in assessing which representative should take charge of his career.

The change comes after an unsettled summer at Atletico, during which Alvarez was at the centre of widespread speculation over his future. His name was previously linked with Barcelona, while conflicting offers and reported ambitions created uncertainty around his position.

The situation ultimately ended with the Argentina international remaining at Atletico Madrid. Within the club, there was a belief that Alvarez himself was not responsible for the dispute surrounding his future.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said at the end of August that Alvarez had been subjected to attempts to mislead him. Gil Marin, who said he had known the forward for several years, added that he valued him both personally and professionally.

A departure for Hidalgo, or a revised role for him within Alvarez’s team, could help ease tensions between the player and Atletico following a summer of considerable strain.

Alvarez is under contract with Atletico until 2030, but he now faces the task of rebuilding trust with the club’s supporters after a below-par start to the season. He must also rediscover his best form on the pitch.

The forward remains close to Cristian Romero, who is one of his closest confidants. For now, Alvarez is attempting to stay away from the surrounding noise and concentrate on Argentina, who are preparing to face Benin in a match expected to have particular significance because of Lionel Messi’s anticipated farewell appearance.

Messi has been one of Alvarez’s major sources of inspiration during his career. Alvarez is expected to return to Madrid at the end of the weekend, when attention will turn to the behind-the-scenes decision already under way: choosing the agent who will oversee the next phase of his career.