Barcelona Turn to Raphinha After Lautaro Martinez Deal Collapses
Barcelona have turned to Raphinha as an emergency centre-forward after Robert Lewandowski’s departure and Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Brazilian responding with 14 goals in eight appearances this season.
Barcelona’s striker search hits Inter wall
The Catalan club had targeted a major signing to replace Lewandowski over the summer. Difficulties in their attempt to land Julian Alvarez led them to consider Inter captain Lautaro Martinez instead.
Sporting director Deco opened initial discussions before Barcelona president Joan Laporta personally contacted Inter chairman Beppe Marotta. Inter’s answer was immediate: Martinez was not available for transfer.
Laporta said Barcelona rated the Argentina international highly and were prepared to make a serious effort for him, but accepted Inter’s refusal.
“He is an incredible player and we did not want to miss the chance at any price,” Laporta said. “I called President Marotta and he said the player was not for sale.”
Martinez chooses Inter stay
Barcelona believed Martinez could have been interested in a Camp Nou switch, but Laporta accepted that the forward could not dictate an exit from a club determined to retain him.
The Barcelona president said the club ended negotiations out of respect for Marotta and Inter’s position.
- Martinez is 29 and captains the Italian champions.
- Barcelona approached Inter after their Alvarez pursuit became complicated.
- Inter made clear that their captain would not be sold.
- Barcelona then withdrew rather than push the matter further.
Martinez later confirmed that the interest from Barcelona was real, but said his decision was to remain with the Nerazzurri.
“The Barcelona reports were true, but I wanted to remain here with my team-mates and supporters,” he said. “Inter means pride, happiness and a desire to keep going for me. I have chosen to stay again and want to achieve great things here.”
Raphinha answers Flick’s attacking problem
Hansi Flick has been left short of established attacking options following Lewandowski’s exit and Torres’ subsequent transfer to PSG. Rather than secure Martinez, Barcelona have found an internal answer in Raphinha.
The Brazil international has been pushed into a central striking role and has made a stunning return, scoring 14 times across only eight outings.
That run has eased the immediate pressure on Barcelona’s depleted forward line, while Martinez remains in Milan to lead Inter’s chase for more trophies.
What happens next
Barcelona must continue building their post-Lewandowski attack without Martinez, whose future is tied to Inter after the club’s firm intervention and his own commitment to stay. Flick’s next task is to sustain Raphinha’s exceptional scoring spell while managing a squad reshaped by Torres’ departure.
