But close pals managed to convince the Spaniard he should stay - but he is far from happy.
Rafa spent all summer chasing Barry, 27, and was convinced he would get him.
But Reds' owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett KO'd the deal and claimed the £18million fee was too high for a man who would have little sell-on value.
It took a heart-to-heart with friends to talk the stubborn Spaniard into staying - but the prospect of him packing his bags remains.