Julián Álvarez has reportedly changed agents and that news has set the rumor mill into overdrive. His desire to join Barcelona from Atlético Madrid was the worst-kept secret in the past transfer window, but it did not materialize. With this new agent, there are whispers that the transfer may finally cross the finish line.
He has ended his relationship with Fernando Hidalgo, who has been besides him almost all his professional career, and reportedly signed on with Javier Pastore. Pastore is an ex-player
and Argentina international who played with, among other clubs, Paris Saint-Germain. He was also at one point linked with a move to Barça, though that never came to pass, either.
The relationship between Hidalgo and Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has reportedly been fractured irreparably, with both sides accusing the other of misleading Álvarez.
The hiring of Pastore, who also represents Enzo Fernández, now at Manchester City, could be seen as an attempted reset.
Álvarez has reportedly not given up on his dream of joining Barcelona, and Atlético may be happy to finally pull the trigger after the transfer drama disrupted their planning for this season. It’s said the team’s spirits were sapped by the situation, and the player himself is uncomfortable and not performing to his very best. An incoming €120 million would also help Atléti if they spend it wisely.
But do Barcelona still want the transfer? Sporting director Deco has suggested their interest has waned, though manager Hansi Flick is a big fan of the Argentine forward. And importantly, Raphinha has performed extremely well as a center-forward and Gabriel Jesus is adapting as his backup, plus Barcelona have promising young star Hamza Abdelkarim in that position. Álvarez is a quality player, but will the Catalans spend so much money to reinforce an attack that is already working extremely well?
