Report – Barcelona’s manager was always expecting Atletico Madrid’s siege regarding Julian Alvarez
Barcelona will end the summer transfer window without their main target, Julian Alvarez, but the club can take some comfort from preparing for this outcome in advance.
According to Sport Carlos Monfortthe Blaugrana Director Deco has long been aware that Atletico Madrid are unlikely to make the Argentine’s departure easy.
While Barcelona continued to pursue Alvarez, the sporting director quietly worked on alternative solutions so as not to leave the club without options at centre-forward.
Anthony Gordon was the first major substitute
Anthony Gordon was one player who particularly caught Deco’s attention.
Although the Englishman’s natural position is as a winger, Deco was impressed when analyzing several Newcastle United matches from last season in which Gordon operated as a centre-forward.
He liked the way Gordon interpreted the situation, his movement and, above all, his ability to switch between the two roles without losing his effectiveness.
Deco then worked on the deal in secret, contacting the player’s representatives and making several trips to London.
Deco has always been a big fan of Gordon’s qualities. He has explained to people close to him that Gordon can operate as either a winger or a centre-forward depending on Flick’s requirements.
This versatility was one of the main reasons Barcelona decided to pursue him. Therefore, the signing gave the club protection against everything that happened with Alvarez.
Hamza also emerged as another option
Barcelona’s options were further strengthened by the appearance of Hamza Abdel Karim.
The young striker has shown that he can provide another solution in a central attacking role, allowing the club to reach the final stages of the transfer window without feeling forced to sign a player just to add another striker.
Even if the Alvarez deal fell through, Barcelona knew they already had alternatives within the team.
Gabriel Jesus completed Deco’s plan
There’s still one final piece to add. The arrival of Gabriel Jesus for €10 million has become one of the biggest surprises in the final days of the transfer window.
The financial risks were considered limited, while the potential reward could be significant if the former Arsenal player could rediscover his best form.
His arrival finally gives Barcelona another experienced option in a position that, for most of the summer, seemed almost entirely reliant on what happened with Alvarez.
Barcelona were prepared for Alvarez to stay at Atletico
Unless there is An unexpected development in JanuaryAlvarez is likely to stay at Atletico Madrid for another season. But Barcelona has already prepared for this possibility.
First came Gordon, a player Deco had always viewed as more than just a winger. Hamza then imposed himself as another option, before Issa arrived at the last minute.
Barcelona ultimately failed to sign the striker they identified as their main target, but Deco ensured the club would not be swayed by putting all their eggs in one basket.
