Deco reveals Barça's plans for the transfer market and Lamine Yamal's renewal

FC Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, gave an interview to 'ESPN' in which he offered an overview of what the summer transfer market could be like for the Blaugrana team. The former Brazilian-Portuguese player was clear in pointing out that he does not expect major departures from the Culé squad.

"I don't think this team, with its dynamics and joy, has anyone willing to leave. We have already renewed most of them, now we have to take care of those who are here. Last year I said that we couldn't lose anyone. I think it's the same now. If we can improve, it's always possible, but the key is to leave what we have consolidated for the next few years," he asserted.

"If we can improve, it's always possible, but the key is to leave what we have consolidated for the next few years"

Barcelona would look to strengthen with wingers

Despite his intention to maintain the current squad, Deco hinted that the Catalan team could go to the market in search of players with offensive characteristics, especially wingers, to give depth to the squad. "Suddenly we feel a lot of dependence on Raphinha, on Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them. The squad is quite balanced and we also have many good things in the youth system," he explained.

"Suddenly we feel a lot of dependence on Raphinha, on Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them"

Full confidence in Lamine Yamal's renewal

One of the standout names of the season has been Lamine Yamal. Deco also referred to his contractual situation and expressed confidence regarding a future renewal, extolling the young player's emotional bond with the Barcelona team. "Players have to be happy where they are. I don't see a better place for them. The boy grew up here, he's from here. This generation has the possibility to make history. Putting myself in his situation, I would want to be here, to be part of it. I don't see that there will be problems with Lamine, especially because he has a contract. The club, within what it needs to create for him, will end up renewing," he emphasized.

"I don't see that there will be problems with Lamine, especially because he has a contract. The club, within what it needs to create for him, will end up renewing"

• 📌 Lamine Yamal's numbers in the 2024-25 season with FC Barcelona: 16 goals and 24 assists in 52 matches.

A season that exceeded expectations

Deco did not hesitate to praise the team's performance during the 2024-25 season. He assured that Barcelona has competed at the highest level, even above what was expected at the beginning of the season. "My idea at the beginning of the season, with the changes we made, was to compete. Competing is fighting to be there. You can't reach matchday 36 of the championship without fighting to win. But it exceeded expectations a bit, because they competed against a strong Real Madrid, and for one detail we are not in a Champions League final. Competing for everything: we won the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey... That was our idea. This is the way," he declared.

The fall against Inter and the reaction of the dressing room

Finally, Deco spoke about the elimination in the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Inter Milan. Although he admitted that it was a hard blow, he positively valued the group's reaction, especially that of the youngest players. "This job of mine is relatively new, I have never been able to deal with defeat, it hurts a lot. And the day it no longer hurts is because you are already dead, you no longer feel it. The good thing was to have a great game afterwards, I think this game was important for the team, but what seemed most great to me was the way the players reacted. Everyone was upset, everyone was screwed, but the kids said 'we will return'. That's great, it's a sign that it hurts them, it hurts them, but they are willing. That's what gives the illusion, that's the way," he concluded.