Barcelona made a move for Ferran Torres instead of his former Manchester City team-mate Raheem Sterling as the Nou Camp chiefs did not believe the England international would adapt to life at the club.
Sterling faced troubles at the start of the season, struggling to break into Pep Guardiola's side, despite impressing during England's run to the Euro 2020 final last summer.
The England international's difficulties at the Etihad led to him being linked to a move away with Barcelona emerging as favourites for his signature at one stage.
However, as the January transfer window opened it was the 27-year-old's team-mate Torres who made the move to the Catalan capital instead.
According to SPORT, Barcelona's director of football Mateu Alemany met with the England forward and decided that he would not be an ideal fit for the Catalans.
Alemany reported back to Barca boss Xavi that Sterling was 'indisputably talented' but ruled that he would be a 'martian' at the Nou Camp.
Instead the Blaugrana chief proposed the idea of Sterling's team-mate Torres, who he had already spoken with and was believed to be 'crazy to come' to the LaLiga side.
Barcelona splashed out £55million for Torres and finally registered the Spain international earlier this month after easing the financial pressure on their wage books.
The Catalans are desperately chasing LaLiga top four and a coveted Champions League place after falling from dizzying heights this season to currently sit fifth.