The forward who rejected signing with Barcelona

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13/09/26 16:15:00

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Lautaro Martínez turned down the opportunity to negotiate becoming the key signing for FC Barcelona during the summer transfer window, despite the existing contact between the Catalan club and Inter Milan. The Argentine forward, aged 29, chose to remain in Italy, where his contract runs until June 30, 2029.

Confirmation came from Giuseppe Marotta, Inter's president, after Barcelona's interest had been acknowledged in recent weeks. The player's desire prevented discussions between the clubs from evolving into formal negotiations.

🚨⚫️🔵 Inter president Marotta: “Lautaro Martínez didn’t want to have any approach or discussions with Barcelona”.

“Also on club to club side, it was impossible to have any negotiation as Lautaro is a top player, we need him if we want to win titles”. pic.twitter.com/UBXYBLOzfG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2026

Lautaro Martínez shuts the door on FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona considered bringing in Lautaro Martínez as an option to bolster their attack in the final stretch of the market. Their primary target had been Julián Álvarez, but Atletico Madrid's refusal forced Deco to explore other options.

One of these was Lautaro. Marotta confirmed that there had been contact between the clubs, but positions were never close enough to discuss the economic terms of a potential transfer.

The decisive factor was the player himself. The captain informed Inter Milan that he wished to stay at the club, preventing Barcelona's interest from progressing to negotiations. His contract, renewed in August 2024, extends until 2029.

The forward's stance had been clear a few days earlier. Lautaro publicly acknowledged being aware of Barcelona's interest and the recognition it implied but explained his decision to continue living and playing in Milan.

Inter Milan deemed their captain non-transferable

Inter Milan's stance also did not allow for a potential deal. Marotta had warned during the market that the club did not consider any conditions under which they would want to part with their captain, affirming his continuity was part of the sporting plan.

Lautaro has been with Inter since 2018 and has become one of the key players in the squad. By the time he signed his last extension, he had played 282 matches and scored 129 goals in the Italian side's shirt.

His sporting significance remains as the new season kicks off. Last weekend he scored two goals in the 3-2 comeback against Napoli, including the winning goal in the 91st minute, in one of Serie A's early standout matches.

Barcelona ended up turning to Gabriel Jesus

The rejection by Lautaro Martínez forced Barcelona to continue seeking a striker in the final days of the market. The sporting direction ended up accelerating for Gabriel Jesus, from Arsenal, after failing to secure Julián Álvarez or the Inter captain.

The Brazilian became the solution for an attack in need of a new leader after the summer movements. His arrival allowed Barcelona to address that necessity at the start of LaLiga without incurring a higher cost for Lautaro.

The scenario is now set for future transfer windows. Lautaro Martínez is under contract until 2029, Inter is unwilling to part ways, and the player has publicly stated his desire to continue. For Barcelona to reconsider the move, the forward's stance would need to change, which is currently not under consideration.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El delantero que rechazó fichar por el Barcelona