Raphinha criticizes Atletico over Alvarez transfer drama

FC Barcelona winger Raphinha has shown no understanding for Atlético Madrid’s insistence on Julian Alvarez staying. The Catalans had fought intensively over the services of the Argentine striker in the summer, but Atlético would not be swayed. Raphinha is now openly standing in solidarity with the player.

Barcelona wanted Alvarez already in the summer

In the summer Barcelona sought Julian Alvarez, the Argentine international, and did everything to sign him. At the same time Atlético bit its teeth, because the club did not want to let the player go. The two sides were therefore in a clear conflict.

Raphinha told Spanish media: “I don’t understand what Atlético has done there.” He added: “If a player does not feel comfortable in a role – and I speak from personal experience – it is very difficult for it to work.” The Barca superstar emphasized that Alvarez had made it clear that he wanted to leave the club.

Negotiation details and failed options

Alvarez had vehemently insisted on a move to Barcelona in the summer and, according to rumours, even went on strike, but received no release. An official spokesperson for Atlético said a few days before the transfer deadline that the chance of selling the player to Barcelona was zero percent and that it was about dignity, not about money.

According to the spokesperson, Atlético should have agreed in the summer to an offer of €150 million by 20 June if a club wanted to sign the player. This condition was never met. Instead, Barcelona tried to exert pressure on Atlético through advisor Hidalgo.

Barcelona still hasn't signed Julian Alvarez as it seeks a new number 9 striker

During the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Alvarez said a move was the best option for him and for Atlético. Nevertheless, Atlético demanded a release clause of €500 million, which was fixed in the contract until 2030.

In the end no transfer materialised, although Manchester City and Arsenal showed brief interest. Barcelona instead signed Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

Alvarez is now considering switching his agent Fernando Hidalgo and moving to Javier Pastore, who also represents Enzo Fernandez for Manchester City. An agent change could trigger a new attempt to leave Atlético already in the winter.

In the attacking centre, coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona mainly relies on Raphinha, who came in the summer of 2022 for €58 million from Leeds United after having previously rejected a contract extension. His own transfer story stands in contrast to the current drama surrounding Alvarez.