Deco urges Barcelona to move on from Julián Alvarez saga

Deco, the former midfielder now sporting director of Barcelona, told the Portuguese newspaper AS at the Portugal Football Summit that the club must put the aborted Julián Alvarez transfer behind it and look forward to other options.

Alvarez saga dominates transfer window

The ‘Julián Alvarez novela’ became the headline of a hectic summer transfer market. Barcelona identified the Argentine forward as a primary target, but Atlético Madrid refused to release him, creating a sharp strain between the clubs. The episode stood out amid a flurry of activity across Europe.

The saga still echoes among the Atlético supporters, known as the Colchonera, yet Deco believes it now belongs to the past for Barcelona’s own fanbase, the Culés. He said the dispute has left a lingering discomfort but is no longer central to the club’s narrative.

Barcelona reshapes attacking plans

Deco told AS that Barcelona, which began the campaign soaring in LaLiga, must forget the aborted Alvarez deal and concentrate on the rest of the squad. He added, ‘I hope he is also well, helping his club, and that is what matters.’

The club’s plan was to replace Robert Lewandowski, who now plays for Chicago Fire in the MLS, with a more mobile number nine. Alvarez matched the profile of a striker who could link with teammates and create space, fitting the desired style.

Barcelona submitted an offer, but Atlético signalled it would not sell. Com Segundo Deco, the club explained that the offer was rejected and that they were forced to explore other solutions. Consequently, the Catalans turned to Gabriel Jesus, a Brazilian who had struggled for minutes at Arsenal, praising him as a high‑level player who could revitalise his career.

Other targets and internal debates

Internally, the coaching staff also debated using Raphinha as a centre‑forward, a topic discussed with Hansi Flick before finalising the offensive plan and already yielding early‑season results. Another name on the shortlist was Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan; Deco said the Argentine was respected as a spectacular captain, but when the Italian club closed the door, Barcelona ceased talks, insisting on a transparent process.

Deco added that the club is pleased with the rest of the squad and sees no need to panic after the failed deal. He highlighted the depth in midfield and defence as reasons for optimism heading into the second half of the season.