Despite La Liga’s stringent financial restrictions, Barcelona sports director Deco disputes the club has financial difficulties and claims they do not need to sell players.
Since his arrival in 2023, Deco, 47 has guided Barcelona’s comeback, resulting in a domestic triple in addition to Champions League semi-final performance.
While they were authorized by Spain’s National Sports Council to register midfielder Dani Olmo within a conflict with La Liga, the Catalans have renewed the contracts of sensation adolescent Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and manager Hansi Flick.
“I knew it would be challenging when I came with the financial laws; it is not a financial difficulty, but the financial fair play standards in Spain are more onerous than the Premier League and in other nations.
“For many clubs, this is a challenge; you only hear about Barca since we are a huge club. You have to work with it; see how you may strengthen the team; La Masia [academy] players combined with seasoned players has been rather significant.
Stressing Barcelona’s happiness working with La Liga, the former Portugal midfielder who played for the Catalans – as well as Chelsea and Porto – stresses that rules will continue to develop.
Barcelona is eager to have “one of the biggest contracts in history” with Nike, even if they do not; the newly rebuilt 100,000-seater Nou Camp will be the largest stadium in Europe and increase income.
Barcelona will “not sell our best players,” he argues, noting the team’s recent success indicates they can “grow with many of the same players”. Thanks to the team’s stability at its heart, he said they are in seeking for “two, three or four signings,” without needing to enter the market “like crazy”.
When asked whether it included Liverpool’s Luis Diaz or Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, said to be available for £40m, he said: “We have been focusing on renewing contracts, after then, we will talk players to come.
“We won’t talk since, like you pointed out, these two players are decent but have contracts in their teams; so, it is unfair. But definitely we find some names when you decide to go to the market. We need not send many players, in my view.”
He said: “Everyone wants to come or stay when I speak with the players’ agents. This is hence crucial. The picture of the club is still favorable. Barcelona is still a large club, hence we are proud since our football style makes players want to come.
Deco understands Real Madrid’s ongoing danger and will try to develop under fresh head coach Xabi Alonso.
Deals for Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will be leaving Liverpool, have also been agreed upon. Next on the club’s shortlist is Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.
“First Real Madrid has a lot of top players, thus next season is not going to be easy,” he remarked. “They feature a sizable team, in my view. Their roster features many really outstanding players. Of course they wish to get better.
“Maintaining a solid Madrid is quite vital. Strong players, top players, those the people wish to see are absolutely vital. Madrid, like us, has these kind of players.
“La Liga’s top players should be maintained now as well. Thus, for us Madrid must be strong, Atletico must be strong, and we must be there.”
