An award-winning journalist, he has held press credentials for Champions League and La Liga fixtures – reporting live from the stadium, press box, and press conferences.
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
(Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images) Getty ImagesJulián 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.
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.
Luis Mazariegos has been a lead writer and editor for Barca Blaugranes since 2012, bringing tactical analysis, transfer reports, opinion columns, and investigative coverage to the SB Nation network. An award-winning journalist, he has held press credentials for Champions League and La Liga fixtures – reporting live from the stadium, press box, and press conferences. He frequently provides commentary as a guest on football podcasts and radio shows. In addition to his sports media work, Luis spent over a decade in broadcast television and currently serves as an editor for a major digital news network.
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images) Getty Images
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.
