Barcelona’s stance on Julian Alvarez revealed after latest developments

Barcelona are increasingly unlikely to pursue Julian Alvarez again, with the club’s attacking priorities changing significantly following the summer transfer window.  According to SPORT , the Argentine striker is no longer considered a priority, as Raphinha’s exceptional form and Gabriel Jesus’ arrival have reduced the need for another major investment in attack. Barcelona spent much of the summer exploring a possible move for the Atletico Madrid forward, with president Joan Laporta publicly confirming the club’s interest .  However, Atletico’s resistance and the controversy surrounding the pursuit ultimately forced the Catalans to consider alternative solutions. Those developments have now changed the picture at Camp Nou. Raphinha’s remarkable transformation changes Barcelona’s plans One of the biggest reasons behind Barcelona’s changing stance is Raphinha’s emergence as an outstanding central attacking option .  The Brazilian has exceeded expectations after taking on a more prominent role through the middle, delivering numbers that have made another expensive attacking signing less urgent. Barcelona are unlikely to make an attempt for Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images) Statistically, Raphinha, who recently renewed his contract , has registered 19 goals and three assists in 13 appearances across competitions during the 2026/27 campaign.  Notably, Barcelona also secured Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, signing the Brazilian on a three-year contract.  The arrival gave Flick a strong and recognised centre-forward and provided an alternative to pursuing Alvarez, who had been one of the club’s major summer targets. Atletico Madrid tensions and Alvarez’s difficult start The pursuit of Alvarez created considerable tension between Barcelona and Atletico .  Laporta confirmed the Catalans’ interest, while Atletico strongly opposed the possibility of selling their forward to a domestic rival.  Understandably, Alvarez had also faced criticism from Atletico supporters following his comments on wanting to leave during the 2026 World Cup. Alvarez has apologised to Atletico Madrid fans. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) The Argentine subsequently apologised to the club and its supporters, with the situation appearing to settle.  His performances have also been less productive than Raphinha’s this season, as Alvarez has recorded two goals and two assists in 11 appearances across competitions, according to available season statistics. Barcelona unlikely to revive Julian Alvarez pursuit The change in Barcelona’s position is also understood in the comments of sporting director Deco.  In September, he indicated that the Argentine’s situation belonged in the past , explaining that Atletico had refused to negotiate and that Barcelona had been forced to explore other options.  For now, the club has addressed its centre-forward requirement, Raphinha has established himself as a highly productive attacking option, and Atletico have little reason to reconsider their position. Although future transfer plans can change, another attempt to sign Alvarez currently looks extremely unlikely.