Deco has dropped a strong hint that one of Barcelona’s key first-team players could be on the move as early as January.
Barcelona’s January transfer window hangs in the balance as sporting director Deco delivered a candid assessment on squad stability, injuries, and strategic patience amid a season of highs like the Atletico Madrid triumph and lows from prolonged absences testing Hansi Flick’s depth.
With contract renewals prioritized for long-term harmony, the club eyes continuity over upheaval, trusting returning stars to elevate performance without market panic.
Deco’s interview outlined a measured approach, dismissing winter reinforcements while navigating delicate personnel matters, including a veteran’s uncertain role post-recovery in a goalkeeping pecking order reshaped by Joan Garcia’s emergence, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
That ace is captain Marc-André ter Stegen, whose potential January exit Deco left wide open, prioritizing the 33-year-old’s fitness return above all.
“The first priority is his recovery. He’s under contract, needs to be available—the coach decides from there,” Deco noted, hinting Ter Stegen could linger as third choice behind Garcia and Iñaki Peña, as planned when signing the Espanyol loanee with “present and future.”
World Cup ambitions loom: if the German requests a move for minutes, “we understand the context,” Deco said, adding he’d “surely seek options to play” upon fitness.
Linked with Saudi and Turkish clubs, Ter Stegen’s departure could ease wages amid financial scrutiny.
No incomings beckon either. Deco ruled out signings, satisfied with squad quality: “We consolidated for years ahead, injuries hit hard, but January rarely yields Aubameyang miracles—he was available amid Arsenal strife.”
Past Davids and Auba coups aside, current stability trumps risks, betting on recoveries like Gavi and Olmo.
This stance reinforces Flick’s project, balancing youth integration with veteran transitions.
Ter Stegen’s saga tests leadership; an exit frees resources for summer targets, but retention signals unity.
Barcelona’s title push endures, Deco’s realism charting a steady course through turbulence.
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