Barcelona’s Deco ‘rejects’ signing free world-class defender

Deco has decided not to sign one of Liverpool’s best players for free.

Netherlands v France: Group D - UEFA EURO, EM, Europameisterschaft,Fussball 2024 Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands hugs with William Saliba of France after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Netherlands and France at Football Stadium Leipzig / IMAGO / Pixsell

The free agency market next summer is going to be a massive benefit for a lot of clubs, especially teams who are struggling financially. 

Even though Barcelona have returned to the 1:1 rule, it is still expected that big money signings will be off the table.

Due to this, the Blaugrana have been linked with a lot of players whose contract are expiring, such as Mohamed Salah and Leroy Sane.

However, news in Spain has recently claimed that Deco is not going to be signing two players who have been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou.

According to Sport, Managing Barca, the Brazilian sporting director was offered Virgil van Dijk for free next summer but he decided against it to prioritise younger players.

The report also states that Joshua Kimmich, who is also set to become a free agent next summer, was also offered to Barça but similar to Van Dijk, Deco vetoed the signing. 

Even though Kimmich and Virgil are older, they are still playing at an unbelievable level, whilst also showing no signs of slowing down. 

If Deco wanted to sign these players they would both cost upwards of €50million, so with the pair being potentially free next transfer window, it could be a deal Barcelona regret not doing if they do pass up on the opportunity.

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