Failed bidding war over Julian Alvarez: Barcelona signs Gabriel Jesus

In the Spanish summer transfer theatre, FC Barcelona wanted to sign the Argentine world‑class striker Julian Alvarez, but in the end had to fall back on the Brazilian Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward was only the third choice, after Lautaro Martinez had originally been brought into the conversation.

From Alvarez to Jesus – a failed poker

FC Barcelona had explicitly stated in the summer that Alvarez was a must, but the negotiations fell through. Instead, Gabriel Jesus arrived, who was considered a stop‑gap because he had been plagued by injuries at Arsenal in recent years and lost playing time under manager Mikel Arteta.

Jesus was therefore only the “backup of the backup” of the desired striker. His signing cost just ten million euros, an amount that Barca could raise from its own resources.

Further offensive reinforcements and the failed Martinez option

Parallel to Jesus, Barcelona bolstered its attack with Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford and Karim Adeyemi to close the gap created by the collapse of the Alvarez deal.

According to sporting director Deco, the club had previously shown interest in Lautaro Martinez. However, Martinez only wanted to move in harmonious unity with Inter Milan; Inter chief Giuseppe Marotta explained that the Argentine was indispensable, so the transfer ultimately fell through.

In contrast, Raphinha shines at Barcelona with 14 goals and three assists in just eight games, while Martinez in his ninth season at Inter has already scored four goals and provided one assist in five appearances.

The failed poker over Julian Alvarez highlights how difficult it is for FC Barcelona to secure top talent, and how quickly the club must turn to alternatives like Gabriel Jesus to maintain its attacking firepower.