Alvarez Targets January Exit as Pastore Takes Over Representation

Julián Álvarez is preparing for a potential departure from Atlético Madrid after ending his relationship with longtime agent Fernando Hidalgo and moving toward an agreement with Javier Pastore to represent him. According to Sport, the Argentina international wants to negotiate an agreed exit, potentially during the January transfer window or in July, as tensions with his current club continue. The change in representation could provide Atlético Madrid with a new channel for negotiations and help establish mutually acceptable terms for Álvarez's departure.

Sport reported that the club had demanded a change in approach after relations between the player's camp and its leadership deteriorated. Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín previously criticized the advice Álvarez had received, saying the forward had been badly advised and misled. The breakdown in relations between Hidalgo and club officials became a central issue in the dispute over the player's future.

Álvarez has experienced considerable tension since publicly expressing his desire to leave Atlético, according to Sport. The report added that the international break offered him a respite from the situation in Madrid and helped him regain a sense of well-being away from the club.

The new representative is expected to negotiate departure terms that Atlético and the player can formally accept. Sport reported that the Spanish club may have an incentive to resolve the situation sooner because Álvarez's market value is declining, with the figures exceeding 120 million euros discussed during the summer no longer considered realistic. Barcelona remains Álvarez's preferred destination, but the Catalan club has not advanced negotiations. Sport reported that Barcelona had been informed of the changes in his representation, although no further developments had emerged.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has indicated that the Álvarez file belongs to the past, according to the report. However, a future move has not been ruled out, with coach Hansi Flick continuing to hold the forward in high regard. Barcelona is not currently under pressure to pursue the Argentina international because it has other options for its attacking positions. The report cited Raphinha's availability for a central attacking role, the signing of Gabriel Jesus and the club's future expectations for Hamza Abdelkarim as reasons for its current position.

Arsenal is another potential destination for Álvarez, with Sport reporting that the English club would welcome negotiations involving a player exchange. One proposed scenario would send Viktor Gyökeres to Atlético Madrid, as the striker is not considered part of Arsenal's future strategic plans, according to the report. Sport expects developments in the coming weeks as the January transfer window approaches. Álvarez's new representative will be tasked with negotiating an exit arrangement acceptable to the player and Atlético Madrid, while Barcelona has yet to make a renewed move.