Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of Argentina forward Julián Álvarez, has publicly attacked Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín following a transfer dispute over a potential move to FC Barcelona.
Hidalgo posted on social media that one should never ask a liar why he lied, adding that explaining it would force the person to lie again. His response came hours after Gil Marín insisted in comments to news agency EFE that the forward would remain at the Spanish club.
Gil Marín reiterated that Atlético Madrid had closed the door on Álvarez joining Barcelona, ending speculation about a move to the Catalan club led by president Joan Laporta. The chief executive stated that Atlético is built with great players like Álvarez, who he described as a professional, and emphasized that the club must compete using its core values, academy talent, and top international additions.
Gil Marín told EFE that Atlético plans to support and care for Álvarez to ensure he achieves his full potential, calling him vital for the team to compete among Europe's top clubs. He warned that the forward had lacked the best career advisers in recent months and asserted that Atlético would not allow rival teams or their allied media outlets to dictate club strategy or show disrespect.
Social media response to transfer comments
Álvarez, an Argentina international striker nicknamed La Araña, joined Atlético Madrid to play in La Liga, Spain's top football division. The Madrid club plays its home matches at the Metropolitano stadium under long-serving manager Diego Simeone.
The public dispute follows reports that Álvarez intends to end his relationship with his representative. According to an exclusive report by Spanish television program El Chiringuito, the Argentine forward has decided to fire Hidalgo once the current transfer window closes.
Hidalgo played a central role in discussions regarding a potential exit from Madrid and the transfer interest shown by Barcelona. The report stated that Álvarez considers the summer transfer strategy inappropriate and feels dissatisfied with how his future was managed and how expectations of a Barcelona move were created.
Simeone plan for striker return
Atlético executives view the potential separation between Álvarez and Hidalgo as a key step toward establishing a new direction for the forward. Simeone is eager to rebuild Álvarez's form despite the tension, believing a break with his agent could start a completely new phase for his career in Madrid.
The club has adopted a strategy focused on protecting the player during the conflict. Álvarez missed Atlético's recent fixture against Málaga and may also be absent for the upcoming match against Villarreal.
Simeone intends to grant the forward time away during three consecutive away fixtures, providing an opportunity to seek redemption before he returns to face home supporters at the Metropolitano in mid-September against Osasuna.
