Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, has publicly addressed the club's failed pursuit of Julián Álvarez during the summer transfer window, insisting that the Catalan side conducted negotiations with complete professionalism. In an interview with RAC 1, the Brazilian executive revealed that Barcelona submitted a €100 million proposal to Atlético Madrid, structured across three years, but received no response from the Spanish club.
Barcelona's Respectful Approach
Deco emphasized that Barcelona maintained proper conduct throughout discussions with Atlético Madrid. "We did things properly," he stated, defending the club's handling of the complex transfer saga. He revealed that manager Hansi Flick held conversations with Atlético officials on multiple occasions, each time demonstrating respect for the Madrid side's position. "They told us they did not want to sell the player," Deco explained, suggesting that Atlético's firm stance ultimately ended negotiations before they could progress further.
The negotiations gained significant media attention as the summer window drew to a close, with extensive press coverage fueling speculation about the Argentine forward's future. Deco acknowledged this reality, noting that after Barcelona's initial proposal received no reply, "it was mainly discussed in the press." This shift from formal negotiations to public speculation highlighted the challenges both clubs face when transfer discussions break down.
Denying Pressure on Álvarez
One controversial aspect of the saga involved suggestions that Barcelona pressured Álvarez into publicly requesting a transfer. Deco firmly rejected this claim: "We did not ask the player to say at the World Cup that he wanted to leave Atlético." This denial addresses lingering questions about the player's role in the attempted move and Barcelona's methods during negotiations. Such pressure tactics would have violated football's unwritten codes of conduct and potentially damaged relationships between the two La Liga clubs.
Regarding Álvarez's immediate future, Deco adopted a cautious stance, avoiding any commitments about renewed interest. "Every moment must be assessed for what it is," he said, keeping the door open for future developments while acknowledging current realities. Barcelona's summer recruitment efforts ultimately focused on other targets as La Liga's transfer deadline passed, with Flick's project moving forward without the Atlético Madrid forward. The club's early-season form has vindicated this approach, suggesting Barcelona's midfield and attacking options remain competitive despite failing to land their primary summer target.
