Deco: Barcelona Strong, No Plans to Sell Star Players

Deco Speaks on Barcelona’s Vision: Stability, Stars, and Future Glory

Barcelona sporting director Deco has firmly dismissed concerns over the club’s financial health, stating they have no intention of selling top players — despite La Liga’s restrictive financial regulations.

Since his appointment in 2023, the 47-year-old has overseen a remarkable turnaround, guiding Barça to a domestic treble and a Champions League semi-final appearance. Under Deco’s leadership, Barcelona has secured long-term contracts with key figures including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, winger Raphinha, and newly-appointed manager Hansi Flick.

The Catalan giants also received clearance from Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) to register midfielder Dani Olmo amid regulatory tensions with La Liga.

“Barcelona is my club. I love it,” Deco told BBC Sport. “I joined knowing the challenges, especially Spain’s strict financial fair play rules — much tougher than those in the Premier League or elsewhere.”

Deco emphasized that the club’s perceived financial crisis is exaggerated simply because of its global stature. He credited the balance between La Masia academy graduates and experienced stars for the team’s success.

Despite frustrations with regulations, Deco stressed that Barcelona continues to cooperate with La Liga and is optimistic about future improvements.

Nou Camp and Nike Deal Fuel Optimism

Barcelona is poised for a revenue surge, thanks to a record-breaking Nike partnership and the opening of the fully renovated 100,000-seat Nou Camp — now Europe’s largest stadium.

“We will not sell our best players,” Deco asserted. “We’ve built something solid, and we aim to grow with this group. We’re considering two to four strategic signings — nothing wild.”

When asked about reported links to Marcus Rashford and Luis Díaz, Deco neither confirmed nor denied:

“We’ve focused on renewals. Those players are talented but under contract. We’re not discussing them out of respect. When the time comes, we’ll explore options — but we don’t need to go crazy in the market.”

He added that players and agents are drawn to the club’s vision and identity:

“Everyone wants to come or stay. Barça’s image remains powerful, and the football we play is attractive.”

Rivalry with Real Madrid

Deco acknowledged the rising challenge from Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso.

With reported signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras, Madrid aims to raise the bar.

“Madrid has a fantastic squad. We need strong rivals in La Liga — strong Madrid, strong Atlético. That keeps the competition alive and global fans engaged.”

Yamal: Barça’s Next Legend?

Yamal has scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists in 55 matches across all club competitions this season

Barcelona recently secured a long-term extension with 17-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal through 2031 — a deal many believe to be the most important of the summer.

Already boasting over 100 senior appearances and four El Clasico wins under his belt, Yamal is the reigning Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy winner, often compared to Lionel Messi.

“Lamine is Lamine. Leo is Leo,” Deco said. “Messi is the best player in Barça history. But people go crazy for Lamine — he’s electric, and he chose to stay because he believes in this project.”

“He’ll be one of the best in the world, no doubt. But he’s still 17 — we must protect him.”

Barcelona, experienced in managing the Messi era, understands how to shield Yamal from overwhelming pressure.

“He doesn’t have to do everything. Sponsors, fans — everyone wants a piece of him. But we’re helping him stay focused.”