Deco Signals Barca's Flexible Transfer Stance: A Youth-First Balancing Act

Deco opens the door to selling Barca players

Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, opened the door to selling some players in the future, stressing that while their core plan isn't to sell, the club may occasionally have to.

In an interview with The Times, Deco explained that our core idea isn't to sell players; Barcelona isn't fond of selling. But we must improve in this area, because sometimes it's necessary. To sell young players, there must be control, attention to contract dates, and a clear plan for their future.

Deco stressed that Barcelona has grown through La Masia, and relying on these youngsters is a sporting choice, not a sign of financial crisis.

Many say: given the financial situation, Barcelona uses young players. That’s not true. We use them because they’re ready for the first team. If they weren’t good, they wouldn’t play for Barca. La Masia has helped us; these players are good.

He noted that renewing Lamine Yamal's contract was a very important step, as he is a talent who will support the team and the club alike, confirming that the player is happy at Barcelona.

And he continued: 'If we keep the squad, Lamine will be happy. I know his dream is to win something meaningful for Barcelona. If I were in his shoes, I’d watch what the club does. When you're a smart player like Marcus Rashford, you choose a club to win trophies, not just because you love it'.

Deco added that betting on Rashford has paid off, and the club is happy with him. 'We looked for a player like him, able to play in three forward roles. We signed Marcus on loan because he wanted to play for Barcelona. He waited patiently while we followed financial rules, and we’re glad he’s here'.

Deco wrapped up by addressing the difficulties Rashford faced at Manchester United, noting that the English club did not assist him much in his development.

Marcus is a fantastic player. He bears the responsibility to be influential at United, one of the world's biggest clubs, though still young. He faced a difficult generational shift. Look at United in the last five years: rebuilding is hard. Marcus was there, so it’s not easy for a player asked to carry a lot. When you're important, you shoulder a big responsibility.

Punchline 1: Barca selling a player? Just a strategic loan with a mortgage on potential.

Punchline 2: La Masia: where youth is free, but excellence charges interest.