FC Barcelona Give Up on Julián Álvarez: Deco Confirms Transfer Pursuit is Over

Deco confirms FC Barcelona will not pursue Julián Álvarez

The decision to move on from the former Manchester City striker follows a summer of speculation and a failed attempt to secure his signature. Deco admitted to AS that Barcelona did submit an official offer for Álvarez during the summer window, seeking a mobile number nine capable of combining with other attackers following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.

According to Deco, the move was blocked by the selling club’s stance. “Their club has always said that he would not be sold, so we looked for other options,” Deco told AS. The sporting director explicitly stated that the pursuit of Álvarez is now “in the past” and that the club’s focus has shifted entirely toward the current squad and future objectives.

Tactical shifts and the impact of Raphinha

While some observers linked the decision to the current form of Raphinha, Deco clarified that the pursuit of Álvarez was not dependent on the Brazilian’s performance. However, Barcelona’s strong start to the season—recording eight wins in eight official matches—has reduced the immediate urgency for a new center-forward. Raphinha has performed impressively while occupying the number nine role, providing the team with offensive stability.

Deco noted that the club’s original goal was to find a profile similar to Álvarez or Gabriel Jesus, emphasizing mobility and playmaking ability over a static presence in the box. With the current tactical setup delivering results, the club no longer views a winter move for the Argentine as a necessity.

Current status of Julián Álvarez at Atlético de Madrid

The transition to Madrid has proven difficult for the World Cup winner. Reports from Foot Mercato indicate that Álvarez has yet to score in his first four appearances for the Colchoneros. His integration into the squad has been hampered by recurring physical issues, preventing him from maintaining a consistent run of matches.

Despite these early struggles, Atlético de Madrid remains firm in its position. Both Foot Mercato and butfootballclub.fr report that the Madrid-based club has remained inflexible regarding a sale, viewing the player as a long-term asset regardless of his initial scoring drought.

Implications for Paris Saint-Germain

Barcelona's withdrawal from the race may alter the situation for other European suitors. Butfootballclub.fr reports that Paris Saint-Germain remains attentive to the situation, as Álvarez’s versatility—capable of playing as a striker, a second striker, or on the wing—aligns with the French club’s tactical philosophy.

While PSG has no formal agreement with the player or Atlético de Madrid, the removal of Barcelona as a direct competitor simplifies the potential pursuit. However, any future move by PSG would still require overcoming Atlético’s high valuation and their stated refusal to sell the player.

The next checkpoint for the squad’s offensive evolution will be the opening of the January transfer window, though Barcelona officials have signaled no intention of reopening the Álvarez file. Share your thoughts on whether Raphinha is the right long-term solution at number nine in the comments below.