The FC Barcelona board is clear about its roadmap for the summer market. Hansi Flick's excellent management at the helm of the Barça squad in 24/25 gives the club peace of mind and absolute confidence in the medium term, but that does not mean that Barça is not thinking of reinforcing itself in the new transfer window.
In this regard, Deco reiterated the Barça position regarding the possibility of going for players such as Marcus Rashford or Luis Díaz in the market that is just beginning. "When we decide to go to the market, we will surely find some names. In my opinion, we don't need to bring in many players," he explained in a chat with 'BBC Sport'.
Regarding the possible interest in 'Lucho' and Rashford, the sporting director of Barça made it clear that, although they are two players of very high quality, he prefers not to talk about their future for now, since both have a current contract with their respective clubs (Liverpool and Manchester United).
Deco is confident in Barça's ability to sign players despite LaLiga's 'Fair Play'
"When I talk to the players' agents, everyone wants to come or stay. So this is important. The image of the club is still good. We are proud because Barcelona is still such a big club and our way of playing football makes players want to come," added the Barça sporting director.
In that sense, he acknowledged the difficulty of moving in the market with LaLiga's financial 'Fair Play', whose regulations are much stricter compared to the rest of the 'top' leagues in Europe.
"(The 'Fair Play') is a problem for many clubs; you only hear about Barça because we are a big club. You have to work with it, see how you can improve the team; the combination of players from La Masia and experienced players has been important," argued Deco.
"Barça will not sell its best players. We will not enter the market like crazy. We will make two, three or four signings in the summer"
Barça prepares to face a more powerful Real Madrid in 24/25
Similarly, the Barça executive referred to the situation of Real Madrid. Beyond the overwhelming dominance in the four Clásicos played in 24/25 and the 'nadaplete' completed by the 'merengues', Deco understands that, with the arrival of Xabi Alonso and several reinforcements, the 'blancos' will take a leap in quality.
"Next season is not going to be easy because I know that, first of all, Real Madrid has many top-level players. In my opinion, they have a great team. Of course they are going to want to improve," said the Portuguese, who also highlighted the importance of having 'top' rivals to continue improving as a team.
"Now it is important to keep the best players in the League. So for us it is important that Madrid is strong, that Atlético is strong and we have to be there," he pointed out.
Deco values the renewal of Lamine Yamal and his brilliant future with Barça
On the other hand, Deco expressed his satisfaction with the renewal of Lamine Yamal, a step he considers key for the future of the sports project. The former Barça midfielder justified a substantial improvement in his salary that he considers totally deserved, as he is, without a doubt, the best player in the current squad.
"Everyone goes crazy when they see Lamine play football; you would pay to see him in the stadium. He is special and wanted to stay because he believes in the project. He deserves a better salary. He is going to be one of the best players in the world, but, of course, to make history, he needs a good team to support him," detailed the Barça sporting director.
In addition, he reiterated how, in his opinion, the club should manage him due to his talent and youth. "We try not to let him do everything, because, you know, sometimes sponsors and everyone wants his shirt or his time. Sometimes we can't control everything, but people see his magic, on and off the field. They want to have something of him and we must help him achieve it."
"Lamine is Lamine. Leo is Leo. It is not easy to compare him, but Lamine, in terms of quality, can make history like Leo Messi".
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