Barcelona ended their campaign numerous trophies but attention has now shifted to the transfer window.
Uncertainty looms over the club’s finances, particularly after auditors Crowe forced them to remove a €100m lease deal from their accounts.
This financial blow has reignited fears that Barcelona will once again struggle to register new signings before the fiscal year concludes in June.
Despite these hurdles, Deco remains confident and calm, already outlining a clear plan to refine and reinforce the squad.
His remarks follow growing speculation surrounding a possible move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and renewed interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams.
Barcelona’s Director of Football has made it clear that the club’s summer business will begin with contract renewals rather than blockbuster signings.
Speaking to RAC1 via Mundo Deportivo, Deco said, “Our big priority is to strengthen what we have here first,” adding that extensions for Gavi, Pedri, Ronald Araujo, Raphinha and Jules Kounde are on the agenda.
He believes retaining key players is just as valuable as signing new ones, saying, “When people talk about signings, they think about those coming from abroad, but you have to see that renewals are also like signings.”
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Deco also addressed the ongoing debate around the club’s goalkeeper situation.
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s battle with Wojciech Szczesny for the number one jersey, questions have been raised.
Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, who has a €25m release clause, is admired internally, though Deco downplayed his personal scouting input: “I have very little knowledge of goalkeeping… but Joan is a good goalkeeper.”
In attack, Deco dismissed panic over Robert Lewandowski’s age and recent injury issues.
He highlighted Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo as capable of covering the number nine role, saying, “This squad has internal solutions when Robert is not there.”
Still, Deco did not shy away from praising other clubs’ stars, admitting admiration for Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford—but stressed, “We can’t talk about players who are under contract.”
He acknowledged last summer’s pursuit of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, but said only Olmo showed strong desire to join.
For now, Deco is focused on creating a balanced team, saying, “If we can improve, we’ll see what we can do.”
Barcelona may have grand ambitions, but they will have to start with what they already have.
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