Julián Álvarez is reportedly considering ending his long-standing relationship with agent Fernando Hidalgo following the collapse of his proposed move from Atlético Madrid to Barcelona.
Álvarez has been represented by Hidalgo throughout his professional career, but reports in Spain indicate the Argentina forward is assessing a change of representation after his wish to join Barcelona did not result in a summer transfer. There has been no official confirmation that Álvarez and Hidalgo have formally ended their partnership.
Barcelona made Álvarez their priority striker target during the summer as they planned for the departure of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Sporting director Deco confirmed that the club submitted a formal offer worth around €100 million, structured to be paid over three seasons.
However, Atlético made clear from the outset that they did not intend to sell the 26-year-old to their La Liga rivals. Deco said Barcelona received no response to their offer and rejected suggestions that the Catalan club had encouraged Álvarez to publicly force a move.
“We have the information we have. We have done things well,” Deco said. “We launched an offer and there was no response. We talked to them respectfully. They told us that they did not want to sell.”
Barcelona instead moved to reinforce their attack with the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Karim Adeyemi, while Roony Bardghji was expected to leave on loan. Deco said the club had to pursue alternatives when it became clear that Álvarez would remain at Atlético.
Álvarez remains under contract at Atlético, where a reported release clause of €500 million proved a major obstacle to any potential departure. Despite interest from Barcelona and Arsenal, Atlético’s position remained firm throughout the window.
The situation has coincided with upcoming changes to FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. From January 1, 2027, revised Article 17 rules are expected to introduce a more proportionate framework for compensation when a player terminates a contract without just cause. The amendments will not automatically alter Álvarez’s existing agreement with Atlético.
For now, Álvarez remains an Atlético Madrid player, while Barcelona’s future interest is unresolved. A potential switch of representation could shape the next stage of the striker’s career planning, but any move to Camp Nou would still require Atlético’s cooperation or a solution to the release-clause issue.
