Barcelona sporting director Deco has definitively closed the book on Julián Álvarez. Ahead of the match against Levante, the club's top football executive confirmed Atlético Madrid rejected their offer and the Argentine forward will not wear the Blaugrana shirt, at least until January. The immediate consequence is a full bet on internal solutions, with Ferrán Torres and Gabriel Jesús as key profiles, while the team leads La Liga with a perfect record.
Deco was firm in denying rumours that Barça had instigated a public statement from the player. "There has been more talk in the press than reality," stated the former footballer, who added: "I don't want to talk anymore. We did things right. We sent an offer and there was no response." The offer, he explained, covered three seasons, but the Madrid club dismissed it without negotiation, considering the matter settled.
Backing the squad list
With the door closed, the sporting direction turns its gaze inwards. Deco admitted the difficulty of finding a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski, calling it "practically impossible". Instead, the club trusts in the versatility of Ferrán Torres and the newly arrived Gabriel Jesús, signed precisely for his profile similar to Álvarez's. This decision reinforces confidence in a dressing room that leads the table with 12 points from 12, after thrashing Valencia (0-5) and Feyenoord (5-1) last week.
Raphinha's renewal, a priority
While signings are ruled out, the priority on Deco's desk is securing the future of one of the current stars. Raphinha, the team captain, was decisive in the latest Champions League victory, scoring a brace against Feyenoord. The Brazilian, under contract until 2028, is a pillar of the project and the club wants to extend his stay. His performance, alongside that of Ballon d'Or favourite Lamine Yamal, sustains the league's best attack, with 17 goals scored in just four matchdays.
A context of full confidence
The closure of this saga comes at a time of sporting euphoria. Barcelona is on a five-game winning streak, the latest a resounding 5-1 over Feyenoord with goals from Raphinha, Adeyemi, Yamal and Gabriel Jesús. This Saturday they visit Levante, eleventh in the table, for a match the team approaches with some confirmed absences like Frenkie de Jong and Eric García. The full season schedule is available in our fixtures section.
Deco also addressed other structural matters, confirming Walter Samuel's departure and expressing expectation about Lionel Scaloni's possible renewal as Argentina manager. With the Álvarez case filed away, the club focuses all its energy on maintaining the performance of a block that dominates the domestic competition. The next challenge is Levante's ground on September 13, where they will seek three more points to solidify their lead, already two points clear of Alavés.
