Barcelona’s plans for the next European campaign are being shaped as much by restraint as recruitment. Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, sporting director Deco set out the club’s thinking on striker targets, recent arrivals and tactical changes, while insisting Barcelona will not pursue players once another club has made its position clear.
Respect for Inter ended Lautaro interest
Deco confirmed that Lautaro Martínez had been considered during Barcelona’s search for attacking options, but said the club stepped away immediately when Inter made clear that their captain was not available.
- Deco described Lautaro as an outstanding forward, an Inter symbol and the club’s captain.
- Barcelona had identified him as one of several strikers capable of fitting their project.
- After contact between the clubs’ presidents, Inter said he was not for sale.
- Deco said Barcelona did not subsequently approach either the player or his representatives.
“We wanted to act correctly and transparently,” Deco said. “Once Inter told us he was unavailable, there was no further discussion.”
He added that the Argentina international remains a player he admires greatly, while stressing that Barcelona had respected both Lautaro and his club.
Rodri and Gabriel Jesus arrive through different routes
Deco believes Barcelona’s recent success has restored the pull of the club in the transfer market. He said players are again attracted by the football, the squad and a project that has delivered trophies over the past three years.
The move for Rodri, however, required a particular set of circumstances. Deco said the midfielder had been central to Manchester City, but that the English club allowed his departure because it was the player’s wish.
Gabriel Jesus came from a different situation. The Brazilian had not been playing regularly at Arsenal, and Deco said a fresh environment, different team-mates and renewed motivation could be important for him.
“Gabriel is a top-level player and we are happy to have him,” Deco said, contrasting his circumstances with Rodri’s.
Barcelona’s forward search and Raphinha’s new role
Barcelona’s original plan had been to add a mobile No. 9 following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. Deco said Lewandowski had given everything to the club and helped it win trophies, but that the time had come for change for both parties.
Julián Álvarez had fitted the desired profile: a forward able to move, combine with others and lead the line in a more fluid way. Barcelona submitted an offer, Deco said, but the player’s club maintained that he would not be sold.
- Álvarez was not a target connected to Raphinha’s tactical repositioning.
- Gabriel Jesus was not initially part of Barcelona’s plans, partly because there had been discussion of a possible Arsenal renewal.
- Once Álvarez became unattainable, Barcelona looked for alternatives and identified Jesus as the right solution.
- Deco said the club’s preferred attacking profile had not changed, even if the original deal could not be completed.
Raphinha’s work as a central attacker has given Barcelona another answer inside the squad. Deco said Hansi Flick had discussed the possibility of using him as a No. 9 last season, even though the player had previously operated principally as an attacking midfielder or wide forward.
When Barcelona made a tactical alteration involving Anthony Gordon, Deco said both Gordon and Karim needed to play, prompting the search for another role for Raphinha. The Brazilian was considered for either the No. 10 position or the centre-forward role.
Deco admitted Barcelona had not expected Raphinha to perform at such a high level in the role. He said the player must adapt to a different rhythm, receiving the ball less often than a winger and instead timing runs behind defenders, but praised his exceptional quality and said he has embraced the change.
Transfers, Mourinho and Barcelona’s focus
Deco dismissed speculation over JJ Gabriel after the young Manchester United player visited Barcelona. He said the club were not involved in his situation and would need to understand every relevant circumstance before discussing any teenage player.
He also welcomed José Mourinho’s presence in Spanish football, even if he expects the Portuguese coach to make life more difficult for Barcelona as an opponent. Deco called Mourinho one of the finest managers in football history and said his presence at Real Madrid represented a major challenge for the league.
On refereeing controversies, Deco said Barcelona would not become consumed by disputes around decisions or VAR. He accepted that officiating arguments will continue in Spain, Italy and elsewhere, and called for clarity and transparency, but said Barcelona’s responsibility is to improve its own work every day.
Deco also highlighted João Cancelo’s value to the side, describing him as a technically gifted full-back capable of operating across different positions. In his view, Cancelo’s quality makes him particularly suited to Barcelona’s footballing identity.
