Deco’s Blueprint: Renewals, Rising Stars, and Barca’s Quiet Transfer Gameplan

Inside Deco’s Outlook

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, discussed several key issues concerning the Catalan club under the guidance of coach Hans Flick. In the second part of his interview with the Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, he asserted that Frenkie de Jong remains an essential cornerstone of the project, with a renewal already on the near horizon. He also touched on the contracts of other players whose deals are ending soon or who drew attention from other clubs during the summer.

He spoke about his own future, the ongoing case of Lamine Yamal with the Spanish national team following a pelvis injury, and the striker Vitor Roque, who left Barça quietly before later shining with Palmeiras in Brazil.

Regarding the idea of signing Rony Bardji despite a serious injury, Deco explained: “We were watching him, but our philosophy isn’t to chase the market if we have a ready-made alternative from the club’s own ranks. Still, everything is examined with care.” He added that Bardji is only 19 and possesses a very bright future.

On the transfer of Fermín López, Deco stated: “We never considered selling because that would weaken the squad. If a player asks to leave, it would be different, but that did not happen.” He also clarified that Mark Casado was not on the market, noting that departures were linked to players like Ansu Fati, Oriol Romayo, Lenglet, and Pablo Torre.

Contracts, Youth, and the Balance

Deco commented on Jules Koundé, who renewed his contract in the market period: “We didn’t receive offers from Manchester City. They did inquire about a left-back and Koundé, but there were no offers or negotiations.”

When asked about Inigo Martínez’s free move to Saudi Arabia, he responded: “Inigo was a great example—professional and patient. We couldn’t demand a fee after he joined for free and delivered what he did. If he were younger and a pillar of the project, we might have tried to keep him, but he spoke with the coach and chose a fantastic opportunity.”

On Eric García, whose contract ends in 2026, Deco revealed: “Talks are ongoing. We want to maintain wage balance and will present an offer at the right time for the player and his agent.”

Regarding Andreas Christensen, ending his deal in 2026, Deco noted: “He’s a superb player, but injuries have affected him. We’ll monitor this season before taking any decision.”

He also underscored the importance of Ferran Torres, stating: “Ferran brings a lot to the pitch and the dressing room. But it’s not the moment to discuss his renewal, which runs through 2028.”

On Robert Lewandowski, whose contract runs to next summer, Deco said: “Robert is the best striker in recent years—exceptional on all levels, and there’s no need to compare him with anyone. We’ll respect his career and discuss the future when the time is right.” He added that Torres is moving toward a pure number 9 role, with most of his goals coming from that position.

About adding a new left-back to replace Inigo Martinez, Deco stated: “Having top-level defenders is crucial. If one is left-footed that would be ideal, but we have Eric and Pau Cubarci, and there’s no rush to sign a center-back.”

On the recent chatter about Lamine Yamal’s injury with the Spain squad, Deco said: “There’s no crisis. Spain and Barça need each other. We have many players there, and that’s a source of pride. The issue was resolved through better communication protocols; relations are strong and there are no conflicts.”

When asked about his performance as sporting director so far, Deco replied: “I don’t give myself grades. My goal is to help the club in the present and the future. Competing for titles is tough every season, especially with a strong Real Madrid rival. The league is about daily internal and external solutions; work doesn’t end when the transfer window closes.”

On his personal future after the summer contract ends, he said: “My project is tied to president Laporta. If he leaves, I leave too. I’m not hunting for a new job, I want to continue with this idea. What we do requires years of continuity.”

Regarding Vitor Roque’s failed Barça move despite his current form with Palmeiras, Deco added: “When we signed him, the aim was to plan for life after Lewandowski. The January timing wasn’t right, and the atmosphere wasn’t stable—the coach had announced his departure. He faced pressure and criticism as the youngest and least responsible, but I’m very pleased he’s back in Brazil showing his true level.”

Finally, on the possibility of a future signing such as Roque, Deco concluded: “We are cautious. The plan relies on a balanced approach: the best options may come from within the academy or from smart, measured additions.”

Punchline 1: If the transfer window were a dating app, Barça would be swiping right on continuity and left on chaos—spoiler: consistency already has a good profile.

Punchline 2: Barcelona’s strategy is so patient that even a sloth would finish a rebuild before a season ends. At this rate, the trophy cabinet might need a bookmark for the sequel.