Deco insists Barcelona have moved on from Julian Alvarez: ‘He is in the past’

Deco insists Barcelona have moved on from Julian Alvarez: ‘He is in the past’ The Julian Alvarez transfer saga was by far the most talked-about aspect of the transfer window this past summer. Barcelona were keen on getting their hands on the Atletico Madrid forward, who had even publicly expressed his desire to leave the club. Atleti, though, were having none of it and after a long saga, Alvarez ended up staying at the Metropolitano, much to the frustration of Barcelona, who had given the Alvarez pursuit significant time and effort. Deco has moved on Barcelona, though, are not thinking about Alvarez anymore. At least that is what sporting director Deco said in a recent interview. Deco is not thinking about Alvarez. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Speaking to reports at the Portugal Football Summit, Deco said Alvarez is a past topic at Barcelona, adding that failed transfer pursuits are a part and parcel of this sport. “The idea has always been to bring in a forward with good movement and the ability to link up with others, and Julian (Alvarez) was one such player,” Deco said (h/t CNA ). Deco offered more details on the transfer, adding that the club its best to lure Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. “It hasn’t been possible; we made an offer… the club has always said they wouldn’t sell him, so we have to look for other solutions,” he added. “Julian (Alvarez) is in the past; we have to look ahead, and we’re happy. I hope he’s doing well too, that he’s helping his club,” he concluded. Will Barcelona return for Alvarez? Have Barcelona moved on from Alvarez? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) As soon as the transfer market came to an end, reports had immediately linked with Barcelona with a potential January move for Alvarez. However, given the way for Raphinha has performed in the number nine role this season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions, Barcelona might want to wait out a little. The Brazilian international has been scoring goals for fun, thus negative the need for a more natural number nine. In addition, Raphinha has gelled brilliantly alongside Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and the two new signings in Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon. Therefore, it is hard to imagine Barcelona immediately going after Alvarez. Instead, the club’s priority in the January market could be to sign a new defender, with the club closely monitoring the situation of Arthur Dias , among others.