Deco, the sporting director of Barcelona, the Spanish Football League champion, on Thursday closed the door to renewed attempts to contract with Argentine Julián Alvarez, after the club's efforts to include him failed during the summer transfer period, at a time when the team found an unexpected solution by converting Rafinha to the centre-forward position.
Barcelona searched for an outright striker following the departure of Polish Robert Lewandowski for free to the American League, and placed Lautaro Martinez, captain of Inter Milan, and Alvarez, striker of Atletico Madrid, among his most prominent options.
Deco said, during the Portugal Football Summit: “The idea was always to sign a striker who was good at moving and linking up with the rest of his teammates, and Julián was one of those players.”
He added: “It was not possible.” We made an offer, but his club always repeated that it would not sell him, so we had to look for other solutions.”
Regarding the possibility of renewing the attempt during the winter transfer period, Deco said: “Julian is a thing of the past, and we must look to the future. We are happy with what we have, and I wish him success and continue to help his club.”
Joan Laporta, Barcelona's president, had spoken publicly about the club's interest in Alvarez during the transfer period, which angered Miguel Angel Gil Marin, CEO of Atletico Madrid, who accused the Catalan club of dishonesty, stressing that the Argentine striker would never be sold to him "never and ever."
Barcelona eventually signed Brazilian Gabriel Jesus to be one of coach Hansi Flick's options, but the most prominent solution came from within the team, after captain Rafinha moved from his role between the attacking midfield and right wing to the centre-forward position.
The Brazilian international excelled remarkably in his new position, scoring 14 goals in eight matches, including 12 goals in seven Spanish League matches, topping the scorers list ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.
Deco said: “We are happy because we have discovered a new face for Rafinha, but more importantly, he is happy too.” He added: “It is different for him, because sometimes he does not touch the ball constantly as he used to before. He must be ready to attack the spaces behind the defenders.”
He continued: “We expected him to perform at good levels, but not at this superior level.”
Deco revealed that Lautaro was also one of the options Barcelona considered, but the club turned away from him as soon as Inter Milan confirmed its unwillingness to part with its captain.
He said: “At some point, Lautaro was among the strikers we were following. The moment his club told us he was not available, we did not even try or discuss the matter further.”
Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal believes that his unique style and ability to entertain fans gives him an advantage over his rivals in the race to win the Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world.
Yamal, 19 years old, emerged among the most prominent candidates for the award after an exceptional season, during which he won the Spanish League and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, before winning the World Cup with the Spanish national team.
The young winger believes that his technical characteristics represent a rare case in modern football, and he said in an interview with TVE: “It has to do with the way I play and my personality. Currently in European football, although Messi will still be present and people enjoy his performance, there are few players who play my style and provide this kind of enjoyment.
He added: “I realize this well, as this is my goal, and that is why Neymar was my role model. The Ballon d'Or is all about this: being the best player, the player the fans enjoy watching the most, and being one step ahead of the rest. This is what distinguishes me.”
Yamal touched on the criticism he faced alongside Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid striker, because of their frank talk about their ambition to win the Ballon d'Or.
He said: “If Mbappe and I had not talked about this matter, people would have wondered why we were silent. We are always asked to be honest and frank, but when we do that we are criticized.
He concluded by saying: “I clearly expressed what was on my mind, and I do not regret it.”
