Barcelona captain Raphinha has questioned Atletico Madrid’s decision to retain Julian Alvarez after the striker made clear he wanted to leave the club.
Alvarez created a major dispute during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he announced his intention to move from Madrid to Atletico’s LaLiga rivals, Barcelona.
However, Atletico Madrid refused to sell the Argentina international to the defending Spanish champions. The clubs became involved in an angry war of words, but Atletico held firm and Alvarez remains in the Spanish capital.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup winner also maintained that he wanted to move on, although no transfer was completed. The situation could be revisited in 2027.
Raphinha, who has since given his assessment of the failed move, believes Atletico may have made the wrong decision by keeping a player who was unhappy.
“I don't understand what Atletico has done because if a player is uncomfortable somewhere, and I'm speaking personally, it's difficult for things to go well,” he said.
“He made it clear that he wanted to leave.”
Alvarez is expected to be involved in this weekend’s derby against Real Madrid after Atletico manager Diego Simeone indicated that the forward is winning his race to be fit.