Deco explains Julian Alvarez failure as Raphinha finds new role at Barcelona

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, Deco explained that Barcelona wanted a mobile striker to eventually succeed Robert Lewandowski and had identified Alvarez as one of their preferred targets.

However, Atletico Madrid made it clear that Alvarez was not for sale and Barcelona eventually turned their attention elsewhere.

"It wasn't possible, we made an offer, we've already talked about this too much," Deco said.

"The club always said they wouldn't sell him and we had to look for other solutions."

Barcelona ultimately signed Gabriel Jesus, while Raphinha has taken on a new role under Hansi Flick.

Deco admitted the Brazilian's development as a number nine had exceeded expectations.

"We're happy because we've discovered a new role for Raphinha, but the most important thing is that he's happy too," he said.

"When you're a winger, you have the ball most of the time, so this position is different. He has to be ready to attack the space behind the defenders."

Raphinha had previously operated mainly as a winger and attacking midfielder, but his ability to play across the front line has made him an important part of Flick's plans.

"We expected him to do well, but not at this level," Deco said. "His quality is different, it's huge. That's why I think he can play there."

"He can do it as a right winger, left winger, centre forward, and also as a number 10. He's a player who gives everything for the team. He's a complete player."

Deco also explained the thinking behind Gabriel Jesus' arrival after Alvarez became unavailable.

"With Gabriel, a lot of people didn't understand, but it wasn't that Gabriel wasn't in our plans, it's that we didn't know his situation," he said.

"When we decided that Julian was impossible, we started looking for solutions, and Gabriel was perfect for us, given that Raphinha was already becoming a number nine."

Deco stressed that Barcelona's interest in Alvarez was now a closed chapter.

"The idea hasn't changed, the idea was to look for a player of this same profile, but Julian is in the past, we have to move on," he said.

"We're happy with the others, I hope he does well too, that he's happy at his club. And in the end, that's it. There are many deals, many signings that don't happen, that's football."

Deco also confirmed that Barcelona had considered Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez during their search for a striker.

However, the club stopped pursuing the Argentina international after Inter made it clear he was not available.

"Lautaro is an idol at Inter. We have a lot of respect for him. He's a fantastic player, a spectacular player," Deco said.

"He's an icon, a legend at Inter, the captain. And out of respect for the player, respect for the club, the moment the club told us he wasn't available, we didn't pursue it any further."

Deco was also asked about Barcelona's summer additions, Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, and said the club's recent progress had helped attract players.

"I think we've rekindled the desire of players who want to come to Barcelona," he said.

"Every player who's seen Barcelona play would like to join the club."

Rodri's move was helped by Manchester City allowing him to leave, while Deco believes Gabriel Jesus can benefit from a fresh challenge.

"Rodri's case was different because he won everything at City and they helped Rodri leave because it was his wish," Deco said.

"Gabriel Jesus, I think he's a top player. He didn't play many games at Arsenal. That's football, sometimes when you change, with new motivation, a new club, new teammates, so that's important for Gabriel."

Barcelona's next La Liga match is against Getafe on Saturday, October 10 at Spotify Camp Nou.