Former Barcelona striker Salinas says Alvarez deal would have been a mistake

Former Barcelona striker Julio Salinas says he is pleased the club did not complete a deal for Julian Alvarez and believes paying 130m for the Argentina forward would have been a serious error.

Speaking on the Ortega programme about developments at Barcelona, Salinas said he hoped the proposed move would not be revived in January.

“I am happy he will not come now, and I hope he does not come in January either,” he said. “For me, it would be a mistake.”

Salinas acknowledged Alvarez’s quality but questioned the fee Barcelona were prepared to invest in the deal.

“He is a very good footballer and nobody can question his quality, but that amount of money seems excessive to me,” he said.

The former Spain international also called on Barcelona to improve their approach in the transfer market.

“They have to learn a little about how to buy better and sell better,” he said.

Salinas was particularly critical of the figure he believes Barcelona offered for Alvarez.

“The offer I believe Barcelona made, which was 130m, seems far too much to me – far, far too much,” he added.

Salinas suggests alternative Atletico deal

From the perspective of Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, Salinas said he would have sought a deal involving Barcelona forward Ferran Torres rather than simply accepting the proposed fee.

“Considering Barcelona’s needs, I would have tried to sign Ferran Torres and get Ferran Torres plus 80m euros,” he said. “I would have considered that a great deal.”

Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez ultimately did not result in a transfer, and the player has continued his career with Atletico Madrid.

Salinas also highlighted Raphinha’s importance to Barcelona beyond his goals, praising the Brazil forward’s pressing and the influence that effort has on his team-mates.

“As long as Raphinha is fit, his role at Barcelona seems crucial to me,” Salinas said.

He explained that Raphinha’s work without the ball sets an example for the rest of the side, including Lamine Yamal.

“Through the pressure he applies in every match, even when the score is 5-0, Raphinha ultimately makes Lamine Yamal do the same,” he said.

Raphinha’s influence was also evident at the start of the current season, when he took on greater responsibility and scored twice in Barcelona’s emphatic Champions League victory over Feyenoord.

Fabian Ruiz backed for Ballon d’Or

Salinas ended his appearance by putting forward Fabian Ruiz as his choice to win the Ballon d’Or, pointing to the midfielder’s collection of honours and importance to his teams.

“Fabian has won everything and was indispensable,” he said.

“He has won all the titles with Paris Saint-Germain, won the World Cup and won the Champions League. On top of that, he was decisive at the World Cup.”

The former Barcelona player also praised Ruiz’s development into a key figure for Spain under Luis de la Fuente.

“The tactical change made by Luis de la Fuente meant Fabian, imagine, overtook Pedri,” Salinas said.

The endorsement places Ruiz among the players being discussed for this year’s Ballon d’Or, an award for which Raphinha’s absence from the nominees has also attracted attention.