Barcelona do not see it as Real Madrid ‘outplaying’ them in the transfer market following four-signing spree

Barcelona do not see it as Real Madrid ‘outplaying’ them in the transfer market following four-signing spree Barcelona’s transfer strategy this summer has revolved around one clear objective: finding a top-class successor to Robert Lewandowski. Both Deco and Hansi Flick have identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as their preferred target, and much of the club’s planning has been shaped around that pursuit. Against that backdrop, several players became available to Barcelona through agents and intermediaries. Some of them eventually joined Real Madrid, leading to claims from Madrid circles that Florentino Perez had “beaten” Barça to their signatures. Inside the Camp Nou, however, the view is very different, reports Mundo Deportivo . From Barcelona’s perspective, these were opportunities that were explored, not priorities that slipped away. Real Madrid had more urgency Bernardo was always viewed as a luxury signing. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) After two trophyless seasons and increasing pressure following Perez’s re-election campaign, Real Madrid entered the summer determined to make a statement. While Jose Mourinho’s appointment brought further expectations, the additions of Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate were seen as part of a broader effort to rebuild momentum. Barcelona, meanwhile, approached the market differently. Bernardo, Cucurella never priorities Silva had long dreamed of playing for Barcelona and actively pushed for a move. The Catalan club listened and studied the possibility, but they were transparent from the start. He would need to accept a reduced salary, wait for other priorities to be addressed and understand that a guaranteed starting role was unlikely. After all, Flick already had Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi ahead of him in midfield, while Dani Olmo and Fermin Lppez occupied the attacking midfield positions. Barcelona considered him a luxury addition rather than a necessity . Eventually, tired of waiting, Bernardo accelerated talks elsewhere and ultimately joined Mourinho’s Real Madrid. Inside Barcelona, his decision caused little concern. Cucurella also offered himself to Barcelona after seeking an exit from Chelsea. The club appreciated his qualities but viewed Joao Cancelo as the preferred option for the left side. Cucurella was never a priority. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) Alejandro Balde remained firmly in their plans, and no room existed for another expensive left-back unless circumstances changed significantly. Barcelona made it clear that any move would depend on several factors and could take time. However, the former La Masia star preferred certainty. Following a call from Mourinho, he completed his move to Madrid within days . Again, Barcelona considered him a strong player but not an essential target. Dumfries and Konate were Barely Considered Dumfries was another player offered to Barcelona. However, the club felt well covered on the right flank with Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Hector Fort and promising youngster Xavi Espart. Spending money on another right-back simply wasn’t viewed as necessary. The same applied to Konate. Although available on favourable terms, the French defender’s profile did not fully convince the sporting department. Barça already felt comfortable with their centre-back options and chose not to pursue the deal. Alvarez the real tes Within Barcelona, the argument is simple. Real Madrid signed players that Barça evaluated but never placed at the top of their agenda. In their eyes, that is not being outmanoeuvred in the market. The true battle, they believe, concerns players both clubs genuinely prioritise. And that is where Alvarez enters the picture. Had Real Madrid convinced the Argentine striker ahead of Barcelona, the feeling inside the Camp Nou would have been very different. But with Madrid’s previous approach having gone nowhere, the Catalans continue to focus on what they consider their real priority.