Barcelona striker search eased by Raphinha goals as Julian Alvarez move stalls

Barcelona remain determined to sign Julian Alvarez, but Raphinha’s early-season goals have given Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco confidence that the club can cope if the Argentina forward does not arrive.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid continue to exchange criticism over Alvarez, with the Catalan club still keen to complete a deal and Atletico refusing to enter negotiations for their striker.

According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, Raphinha’s performances have reinforced the view shared by Flick and Deco that there may be no available forward in the transfer market who would improve Barcelona’s current attacking options unless they can sign Alvarez or Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

Barcelona have maintained their interest in Alvarez despite the stance taken by Atletico, which has reportedly caused frustration at the Madrid club. Deco also made a brief approach to Inter regarding Martinez, but that contact convinced the sporting director that bringing the Argentina international away from Milan would be impossible.

The situation has not caused Flick and Deco significant concern, however, largely because Raphinha has shown he can operate effectively as a central striker.

The Brazil international started in that position in Barcelona’s opening match of the season against Elche, scoring twice. He then found the net again when Barcelona faced Athletic Club, further strengthening the case for using him through the middle when required.

Flick said Raphinha’s position mattered less than the contribution he made to the team.

“It doesn’t matter to me in which position Raphinha plays, what matters to me is what he shows on the pitch. The fans connect with him and with the team. We have a great atmosphere, and that is the most important thing. It is about how the pressing starts,” said the Barcelona manager.

Barcelona appear increasingly unlikely to secure Alvarez, although Flick declined to discuss the club’s transfer plans after the victory over Athletic Club.

“I don’t want to comment on things of this kind. We won our second match in a row, and that is what matters to me,” he said.

The club’s pursuit of Alvarez has therefore become more complicated, while the possibility of signing Martinez also appears remote. Raphinha’s form has given Barcelona an alternative solution within their existing squad rather than forcing them to spend heavily on a replacement.

In any event, El Pais reports that, without Alvarez, Rodri is regarded as Barcelona’s signing of the summer. The midfielder was applauded by supporters at Camp Nou on Sunday.

The dispute over Alvarez, and Barcelona’s wider search for attacking reinforcements, comes as the club attempt to balance their transfer ambitions with the performances already being produced by their current players.