Flying solo! Álvarez splits from his agent as Pastore's agency closes in
The Julián Álvarez saga has taken its most personal turn yet. The Argentine striker has cut ties with the man who guided his entire career, and a famous former player is waiting in the wings.
Details: According to AS, Julián Álvarez has no agent after splitting from Fernando Hidalgo a few weeks ago. Javier Pastore, the former Argentina international who now runs The Elegant Game agency, is reportedly in pole position to take over his representation.
The split was months in the making. Hidalgo had represented Álvarez since the very start of his career, but this summer's transfer window from hell destroyed the relationship: the striker pushed hard for Barcelona, Arsenal arrived with a blockbuster offer worth a reported £128 million, Atlético Madrid slammed the door on everyone except non-Catalan buyers, and Álvarez ended up staying while being whistled by his own fans. Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín did not mince words, stating that Julián was really in a bad way and that there had been people who took it upon themselves to deceive him, a pointed jab at the player's camp. In mid-September, reports emerged that Álvarez was considering the change and had already held preliminary talks with Pastore's agency; now, per AS, the separation is complete and the 26-year-old is officially without representation, a striking status for one of the most valuable strikers in world football with the January window approaching. The timing matters: Tottenham are reportedly preparing a sensational €130 million January bid, Atlético have softened their stance on a Barcelona sale after admitting that keeping him against his will was a mistake, and whoever signs Álvarez next will effectively hold the pen on one of 2027's defining transfer stories.
It's worth noting that Pastore's agency also represents Enzo Fernández, Álvarez's close friend and Argentina teammate, and helped engineer Fernández's club-record £125 million move from Chelsea to Manchester City this summer. That track record, plus the existing friendship, explains why The Elegant Game is considered the front-runner.
Reminder: €130m sensation! Tottenham go after Atlético star.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
