Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed that the club has put its pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez behind them. The Spanish champions had made Alvarez their primary summer target for a mobile number nine following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. However, Atletico firmly rejected Barcelona's formal offer of around €100 million, structured to be paid over three seasons.
Deco stated that the Alvarez pursuit is over, speaking to reporters at the Portugal Football Summit in Oeiras. He mentioned that the club had made an offer for Alvarez, but Atletico had repeatedly stated that the player was not for sale to their La Liga rivals. As a result, Barcelona ultimately signed Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal for an initial fee of €10 million late in the window as their alternative.
According to Deco, the idea was always to bring in a mobile number nine with the ability to link up with teammates, and Alvarez was one of those players. However, when it became clear that he was impossible to sign, the club started looking for solutions, and Gabriel Jesus was the perfect fit for them. Deco emphasized that the idea hasn’t changed; it was to find a player with the same profile.
Deco expressed his satisfaction with the club's summer signings, stating that they are happy with everything else. He also wished Alvarez well, hoping he is doing well and helping his club. Deco acknowledged that there are many deals and signings that get done in football, but the Alvarez story is now in the past.
The failed pursuit of Alvarez came after the departures of Robert Lewandowski as a free agent to MLS side Chicago Fire and Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain. These departures created a need for a mobile number nine, which led Barcelona to target Alvarez. However, with the transfer window now closed, Deco believes the club has made the right decisions.
Deco's comments suggest that Barcelona has moved on from its interest in Alvarez and is focused on the players currently in their squad. The club's summer business has been completed, and Deco is confident in the team’s current makeup. He emphasized the importance of looking ahead and focusing on the players who are part of the squad.
The transfer saga surrounding Alvarez has come to an end, with Deco confirming that there will be no future attempts to sign the Argentine forward. This development allows Barcelona to focus on their upcoming season, with a squad that has been strengthened by the arrival of Gabriel Jesus and other signings.
Key points
- Barcelona sporting director Deco confirms the club has moved on from its pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.
- Alvarez was Barcelona's primary summer target for a mobile number nine following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
- Barcelona ultimately signed Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal as an alternative to Alvarez.
