Julian Alvarez breaks with his agent, turns to Pastore: Barça remains out

Julian Alvarez has ended his relationship with agent Fernando Hidalgo and is considering former Palermo and Roma player Javier Pastore as a new representative; meanwhile Barcelona has not been able to complete the transfer from Atletico Madrid.

The dispute with the agent

During the summer the player was at the centre of a real tug‑of‑war between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, but the night of October 6 to 7, 2026 added a dramatic note: the breakup of the relationship with Hidalgo. Alvarez expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the negotiation, launching barbs at Atletico. Among the rumours, Pastore’s name appeared as a possible replacement.

Alvarez's market

Meanwhile, Barcelona has submitted a €100 million offer for the striker, but the Colchoneros held firm until the last minute. Arsenal has shown interest, but has not made any official bids, aware of the Argentine’s wishes. Amid the negotiations, the Catalan side remains waiting for a new opportunity, perhaps in January or next summer.

On October 6, Argentina played a friendly against Benin, Lionel Messi’s last match in the national shirt. Leo finished the game with a goal and an assist for Nico Paz, contributing to the 3‑0 final, before saying goodbye to the fans at the Monumental in tears.

Julian Alvarez started that same friendly, being substituted after thirty minutes for Nico Gonzalez. His presence underscored the link with the national team, but his club future remains uncertain. ALVAREZ confirmed that the desire to move to Barcelona is still alive.

According to rumours, Javier Pastore, who founded The Elegant Game at the end of 2025, could become Alvarez’s new agent. The agency, which also represents Enzo Fernandez, targets a small roster of high‑level Argentine players or young talents.

Alvarez, now free from the relationship with Hidalgo, could reconsider a move to Barcelona in the next transfer window, if the parties reach a satisfactory agreement.