Deco: Barcelona moved on from Julian Alvarez after failed transfer bid

Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club made an offer for Julian Alvarez but had to abandon the move after being told the striker was not for sale.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit 2026 on Thursday, 24 September, Deco also discussed Raphinha’s successful switch to centre-forward, the arrivals of Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, Lautaro Martinez and teenage player JJ Gabriel.

Deco said Barcelona had identified Lautaro as a possible attacking option but ended their interest as soon as Inter told them the Argentina captain was unavailable.

“Lautaro is an idol at Inter. He’s a fantastic player, an icon, a legend and the captain,” he said. “As soon as the club told us he wasn’t available, we didn’t pursue it any further.”

He added that Barcelona had not continued discussions with the player or his agent out of respect for Inter, although Lautaro remained a player he admired.

On Italy’s development compared with Spain and Portugal, Deco said the country needed to give young players opportunities earlier. He praised Portugal’s federation and its network of historic clubs and training programmes, noting that the country competes strongly at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

“In Spain and Portugal, at 17 or 18, they’re already playing for their countries and clubs,” he said. “Italy has great footballers, but it takes them a long time to reach the national team and to play for their clubs.”

Deco said Italy had “many top-level directors and many former players with incredible histories” who could help restore the country to the level it deserved.

He described Rodri and Gabriel Jesus as different but successful deals. Rodri had won everything at Manchester City and was helped to leave because it was his wish, while Gabriel Jesus had not played many matches at Arsenal and could benefit from a change of club, teammates and motivation.

Deco also dismissed speculation about JJ Gabriel, who had been seen in Barcelona, saying the club had no interest in the teenager’s situation and first needed to understand all the circumstances.

Raphinha’s move into a central role followed discussions with the player and manager Hansi. Barcelona had considered using him as a number 10 or number nine after deciding to bring in Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, while the Brazilian had previously played mainly as a winger or attacking midfielder.

“We’re happy because we’ve discovered a new role for Raphinha, but the most important thing is that he’s happy too,” Deco said.

He explained that the position required Raphinha to attack space behind defenders rather than remain constantly involved in possession. Barcelona expected him to adapt well, “but not at this level”, and Deco said he could also operate on either wing or as a number 10.

On Alvarez, Deco said Barcelona had been seeking a mobile striker capable of linking play as Robert Lewandowski’s role changed with age. The club made an offer for Alvarez, but when it became clear he would not be sold, Gabriel Jesus emerged as the preferred solution, particularly with Raphinha developing as a number nine.

“The idea hasn’t changed,” Deco said. “Julian is in the past, we have to move on. There are many deals and many signings that don’t happen. That’s football.”