Deco on Barca’s future, challenging Real and Yamal

Despite La Liga’s stringent financial controls, Barcelona sporting director Deco claims that the organization does not need to sell players and that it does not.

Since taking over Barcelona in 2023, Deco, 47, has seen a revival that led to a domestic treble and Champions League semifinal appearances.

In response to a dispute with La Liga, the Catalans renewed the contracts of superstar teenagers Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and manager Hansi Flick. They also received a registration clearance from Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD).

When Deco was asked whether Barcelona should be recognized as a well-run club in 2025, he responded, “Barcelona is my club, I love Barcelona. I was a witness to what transpired outside, and I always believed I could contribute to elevating Barca.

Although it is not a financial issue, the financial fair play regulations in Spain surpass those in the Premier League and other nations, which I knew would be challenging.

You only hear about Barca because we are a sizable club because it is a problem for many clubs. You must work with it, look at how you can strengthen the team, and consider how the combination of La Masia [academy] players and more experienced players is crucial.

The former Portugal midfielder, who played for both Chelsea and Porto, says Barcelona are content playing La Liga but that the rules will keep getting better as they age.

Even if they don’t, Barcelona are excited to sign “one of the biggest contracts in history” with Nike, and the newly renovated 100, 000-seat Nou Camp will increase revenues and increase capacity.

He adds that the team can “grow with many of the same players” because they won’t “sell our best players” and that Barcelona won’t “sell our best players.” However, he claims that because of the team’s stability, they are looking for “two, three, or four signings” without having to “like crazy” enter the market.

When asked if the contract option includes signing Liverpool’s Luis Diaz or Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, he replied, “We have been focusing on renewing contracts, and we will discuss players coming.

We won’t speak because it’s unfair because these two players, as you mentioned, are good but have contracts with their clubs. However, we will undoubtedly discover some names when you decide to visit the market. We don’t need to bring many players, in my opinion.

Everyone wants to come or stay, he added, according to him when I speak with the players’ agents. This is crucial, therefore. The club’s reputation is still strong. We are proud that Barcelona is still a sizable club and that its players are interested in joining because of it.

Real Madrid, who are constantly under new coach Xabi Alonso, are a real threat, Deco is aware of.

Additionally, they have reached deals with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will depart. Alvaro Carreras, a left-back for Benfica, is reportedly the player on the shortlist.

Because I know that the first Real Madrid team has a lot of top players, he said, “Next season is not going to be easy.” They appear to be a sizable team. They have many outstanding players. They do, of course, want to get better.

“A strong Madrid is very important. Strong players, top players, and players that the people want to see are very important. Similar to us, I believe Madrid has these players.

Yamal made his club debut at the age of 15 and has already made 106 appearances. He was a key player in Barcelona’s four El Clasico victories this season and was a member of Spain’s winning team that won the European Championship. He is the reigning Golden Boy and Kopa winner, which are awards given to the best young player in the world.

He is now compared to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in history.

Deco continued, “Lamine is Lamine. Leo is the same. For me, Leo was the best player in club history, and he was also the best player ever.

Everyone goes crazy when they see Lamine playing football because he believes in the project, and you can’t help but watch him because he’s unique. He deserves a higher wage.

He will be one of the world’s best players, he said. He must be respected as a player, but we must remember that he is only 17 years old.

Deco continued, “Lamine can make history like Leo, but it’s not easy to compare.” However, he must have a strong team of his own to make history.

Barcelona would have been able to manage Messimania and provide Yamal with the level of protection he requires.

Because, as you know, sometimes the sponsors and everyone wants his shirt or time, “Deco continued,” we make an effort not to let him do everything. People see his magic, both on and off the pitch, but sometimes we can’t control everything.