Deco Explains Barcelona’s Rejected Julián Álvarez Offer

Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed that Atlético Madrid rejected a formal permanent transfer offer from the Catalan club for forward Julián Álvarez. Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Oeiras, Deco stated that Atlético refused to negotiate under any circumstances, prompting Barcelona to close the pursuit and look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.

Following the collapsed bid for Álvarez, Barcelona turned their focus toward alternative profiles, identifying Gabriel Jesus as a fit. Deco also revealed that Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez was considered, but Barcelona did not pursue formal talks after Inter declared him unavailable for sale.