Deco Closes the Door on Julián Álvarez as Barcelona Move On

Barcelona sporting director Deco has drawn a line under the club’s failed pursuit of Julián Álvarez, making it clear that the Argentine striker is no longer part of the club’s plans.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Lisbon, Deco said Barcelona now need to focus on the future after their attempt to sign the Atlético Madrid forward failed during the summer transfer window. 

Barcelona made an offer for Álvarez

Álvarez was one of Barcelona’s main targets as the club searched for a new attacking option following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.

According to Deco, Barcelona did make a formal proposal for the Argentina international. However, Atlético Madrid maintained that they did not want to sell their star forward, meaning the Catalan club eventually had to explore alternative solutions. 

Deco explained that Álvarez matched the profile Barcelona were looking for, particularly because of his movement and ability to combine with teammates.

The deal ultimately could not be completed.

Deco says the Álvarez story is over

With the summer transfer window now closed, Deco has indicated that Barcelona have no intention of continuing to dwell on the failed transfer.

The sporting director separated the situation from Raphinha’s impressive performances as a makeshift No. 9 and instead explained that Barcelona had to change direction once it became clear that Atlético would not negotiate a sale. 

Barcelona eventually turned to other options, including Gabriel Jesus, while Raphinha has emerged as an important attacking figure in Hansi Flick’s system.

Raphinha changes the picture

Raphinha’s performances have added another dimension to Barcelona’s attacking plans.

The Brazilian has adapted to a more central role and has made a strong start to the season, giving Flick another option in an area where the club had originally been looking to strengthen.

However, Deco stressed that Raphinha’s emergence should not be viewed as the reason Barcelona abandoned their pursuit of Álvarez. The two situations developed independently. 

Barcelona now looking forward

For Deco, the focus is firmly on the current squad rather than a transfer that never materialised.

The club will continue with its current attacking options while monitoring the market for future opportunities. For now, Álvarez remains an Atlético Madrid player, and Barcelona appear ready to move forward without reopening the summer negotiations.

The failed pursuit was one of the major transfer stories surrounding Barcelona during the summer, but Deco’s latest comments suggest the club has now closed that chapter.