Atlético de Madrid forward Julián Álvarez has generated widespread concern among supporters after the Spanish club published his official portrait for the 2026-27 LaLiga season featuring a stern expression following a turbulent summer transfer dispute.
The Argentine international, who publicly expressed his desire to leave the capital team during the World Cup, is also planning to fire his agent Fernando Hidalgo once the current transfer window closes, according to an exclusive report by Spanish sports broadcast El Chiringuito.
The newly released photograph shows Álvarez with a serious countenance, a mustache, and an incipient beard, standing in stark contrast to the smiling image published by Atlético for the previous campaign. The image forms part of the official squad information provided by the Madrid club for the new season.
On its official website, Atlético describes the forward as a World Cup and Copa América champion who is a versatile, quick, and skillful attacker with a strong ability to link up with teammates. However, the profile also features statements attributed to Álvarez stating that he is very happy and excited and has felt the affection of Atlético supporters from the very first moment, creating a sharp discrepancy with his recent attempts to exit the team.
The contrast between his expression and the website text led to immediate reaction across social media platforms. Supporters writing on X described the official photo as the image of desolation, with others commenting that the player appeared unhappy and required support from those around him.
Summer Transfer Saga
The tension follows a summer marked by continuous speculation regarding Álvarez's future. During the World Cup, the striker stated that while it was not the ideal moment to discuss his situation, he could not hide his feelings and believed a transfer was the best outcome for all parties to fulfill his dream.
Following a three-week holiday granted by Atlético after the tournament, Álvarez returned to training on August 10 intent on pushing for a departure. However, Atlético de Madrid president Enrique Cerezo now considers the matter closed, while FC Barcelona, who had set a deadline of this coming weekend to finalize any deal, appear to have abandoned their pursuit.
Dissatisfaction over how the negotiations unfolded has prompted Álvarez to sever ties with Hidalgo, his long-time representative. The player reportedly believes the strategic approach taken during the transfer window was flawed and holds frustration regarding how expectations of a potential move to Barcelona were managed.
Match Absence and Fan Reaction
Álvarez was absent from Atlético's opening match of the LaLiga season, a 2-0 victory over Málaga CF at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. Goals from South Korean winger Kang-in Lee and Spanish World Cup winner Álex Baena secured the win for the host team, though Álvarez remained the primary focus of attention throughout the fixture.
Despite the victory, some spectators at the Metropolitano whistled and jeered in response to Álvarez's summer actions. Reports indicate the forward may also be omitted from the squad for the upcoming match against Villarreal CF.
Return to the Metropolitano
The planned absences are intended to give head coach Diego Simeone time to manage the situation. Under the strategy, Álvarez would feature in three consecutive away fixtures to rebuild his form and standing before confronting home supporters again at the Metropolitano in mid-September during a league match against CA Osasuna.
Álvarez joined Atlético de Madrid following a successful spell at Manchester City and has established himself as a key member of the Argentina national team, winning both the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. Atlético, who play their home matches at the 70,000-capacity Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, finished third in LaLiga last season.
With Barcelona redirecting their attention to alternative transfer targets, Álvarez faces the task of reintegrating into Simeone's squad and winning back the approval of the Metropolitano faithful through his performance on the pitch once the transfer window officially closes.
