From Portugal, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, Deco, officially ruled out the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting CP's goalscorer, and explained that he does not prioritize incorporating a new center forward this summer. The statements were made during the international congress ‘Managers: a new paradigm’, held in Leixões.
Deco rules out Gyökeres as an option to reinforce Barça's attack
During his participation in the congress ‘Managers: a new paradigm’ held in the Port of Leixões, Deco was categorical in denying that the name of Viktor Gyökeres is among the priorities of FC Barcelona for the next transfer market.
Deco: “Gyökeres is a great striker who has done excellent things at Sporting, but right now we are not looking for that position. We have Lewandowski at number 9”.
Gyökeres, a 26-year-old Swedish international, has been one of the great protagonists of the European season with 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 matches between all competitions.
His performance has aroused the interest of several Premier League clubs, and in recent weeks he was also linked to the Blaugrana club. However, Deco was clear: Barça is not considering moves to sign a pure '9' this summer.
The profile sought: a versatile winger, not a natural goalscorer
The strategy of FC Barcelona to reinforce its offensive plot is to look for an attacker with a versatile profile, mainly a left winger who can act both on the wing and in the position of center forward occasionally.
The intention is to give more tactical alternatives to the coach of the culé team, Hansi Flick, and, at the same time, unload minutes from Raphinha and Lewandowski.
“If we are looking for reinforcements in attack, it will not be a classic center forward. We are looking for other characteristics”, explain sources from the club. Among the names that have appeared in the Camp Nou offices are the Colombian Luis Díaz (Liverpool) and the Englishman Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), two footballers who can offer offensive versatility.
Despite being 36 years old —he will turn 37 in August—, Robert Lewandowski has completed his best season as a Blaugrana: 42 goals in 52 matches, being key in attack and showing a remarkable adaptation under Flick's command. His current performance, despite a muscular injury in the final stretch of the season, continues to guarantee him a starting place for the next season.
Deco also spoke about Joao Félix and patience in football
Deco took the opportunity to also comment on Joao Félix's time at FC Barcelona. Although the club did not exercise the purchase option, the sporting director positively valued his attitude: “He behaved very well with us. We couldn't sign him and he ended up going to Chelsea and then to Milan”.
In a more reflective tone, Deco highlighted the importance of resilience in a footballer's career: “Sometimes players have to be patient, because football is not just about good times. It seems that one gives up easily in bad times. Football is hard, sometimes unfair”, he concluded.
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