Álvarez Considers Major Agent Change Amid Transfer Speculation

The turbulent summer around his future is starting to leave marks far beyond the pitch. According to Onda Cero, Atlético Madrid forward Álvarez is preparing to cut ties with long-time agent Fernando Hidalgo, the man who guided him from River Plate to the European elite.

It would be a major break. Hidalgo has been at his side for every key step of his career. Now Álvarez is said to be seriously weighing up a switch to “The Elegant Game,” the growing agency fronted by former Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina playmaker Javier Pastore. The project already has a strong Argentine core, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández the standout name on its books.

The market may be closed, but Álvarez’s name has not gone quiet. Far from it. In England, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to have tracked the forward for some time, viewing his versatility and work rate as an ideal fit for the Gunners’ attacking plans.

Barcelona have not stepped away either. They pushed through a late deal for Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal at the end of August, yet Álvarez remains on their radar. For the striker, a move to Camp Nou has long been painted as a “dream move,” and his entourage know that Hansi Flick is constantly searching for top-tier attacking options.

Life at Atlético, though, has grown tense. As the transfer saga dragged through the final weeks of August, the bond between Álvarez and sections of the Colchoneros support frayed badly. He was booed from the stands, and at one point stewards even prevented him from going over to the fans for the usual post-match applause.

The strain showed in the club’s own imagery. When Atlético released their promotional photos for the new season, supporters quickly picked up on Álvarez’s expression. Social media filled with comments that he looked miserable, with some fans darkly joking that the pictures resembled “hostage photos.”

Now comes the next chapter: the looming agent change and the slow countdown to the winter window. Álvarez is immersed in an intensive recovery plan, mixing heavy gym work with sessions alongside physiotherapists to be ready for the key fixtures on the horizon. His drive to reclaim his place in the starting XI is obvious.

But as he rebuilds his fitness and resets his inner circle, the bigger question hangs over every appearance and every gesture: is he fighting for a future at Atlético Madrid, or simply tuning up for his next move when January arrives?