In Madrid, Julián Álvarez’s future has moved back into view as the winter transfer window approaches. The Argentine forward has ended his working relationship with Fernando Hidalgo after his hoped-for departure from Atlético de Madrid failed to materialise, while former Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore is emerging as the leading candidate to take over his representation.
The news from the club
Álvarez, the Córdoba-born striker known as La Araña, has not yet confirmed who will succeed Hidalgo. Pastore is understood to be closest to assuming the role, although outstanding details still need to be resolved before an agreement is completed.
The change follows a tense period around the player’s situation at Atlético. Álvarez had expressed a wish to leave, but the Madrid club did not agree to his exit. Atlético’s hierarchy ultimately maintained that they would only consider a sale if his €500 million release clause was met.
There has also been public friction between the club and the player’s previous entourage. Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said somebody close to the footballer had “deceived and confused” him. Hidalgo responded on social media with a message saying: “Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain it, he would have to lie again.”
Internally, the handling of the attempted move is said to have altered Álvarez’s view of events. The suggestion was that he was left to confront the possible transfer himself, despite that not matching his usual character.
Barcelona close the door
Barcelona have meanwhile ended their pursuit of Álvarez after months in which the Atlético forward had been discussed as a major attacking target for the Catalan side.
Sporting director Deco said Atlético never shifted from their position that the player was not for sale. Reports had placed Barcelona’s proposed figure at €120 million, but the operation could not be completed and the club have turned to other possibilities for a forward suited to Hansi Flick’s plans.
Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon, Deco made Barcelona’s position plain: “Julián is in the past. We have to look ahead. We are happy with the rest.”
The club will now rely on options already available to them, including Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, rather than continuing to press for a deal with their fellow Spanish capital club.
