‘I don’t understand’ – Barcelona star bemused by Atlético’s Julián Alvarez stance | OneFootball

Barcelona star Raphinha has this weekend admitted that he was left disillusioned by the refusal of Atlético Madrid to part with Blaugrana transfer target Julián Alvarez.

Frontman Alvarez was for his part of course at the heart of one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer in Spain.

Amid intense interest in his signature on the part of La Liga rivals Barcelona, the Argentine made public his desire to move on in search of a new challenge.

The brass at the Metropolitano, however, had other ideas, making clear to Alvarez throughout the window that they had no intention of sanctioning his exit.

This stance split opinion, with some having commended Atlético for standing their ground, whilst others took aim at the Rojiblancos for keeping hold of an unsettled player.

And as alluded to above, firmly part of the latter camp is Barcelona star Raphinha. Speaking during an interview with RAC1, as cited by Diario Sport, this weekend, Barca’s captain admitted:

“Honestly, I don’t understand Atlético’s position with Julian. If you’re not comfortable somewhere, it’s very hard for things to go well with you; it’s very hard to be at peace so you can work.

“He made it clear, on multiple occasions, that he wants to leave and join us. I don’t understand.

“I understand that they don’t want a player of his calibre to leave, but they’ve taken it a bit further than normal.”

Conor Laird – GSFN