FC Barcelona sporting director Deco addressed the club’s recent transfer market strategy and roster dynamics during an appearance at the Portugal Football Summit, clarifying the decisions behind failed pursuits, tactical shifts, and squad planning.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Diario AS, the Barcelona executive provided insight into why specific targets like Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez and Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez ultimately eluded the Catalan club, while detailing how arrivals such as Rodri and Gabriel Jesus materialized.
The Pursuit and Halt of Lautaro Martínez
Addressing persistent speculation linking Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martínez to Camp Nou, Deco explained that Barcelona immediately withdrew interest out of respect for the Italian club once informed the player was unavailable.
“Lautaro is an icon of Inter, then we have much respect for this,” Deco said. “He is a fantastic player, a spectacular player… and the captain, and with respect to the player regarding the club, in the moment that the club told us that he was not available, we have neither tried nor spoken anymore.”
The sporting director noted that while Martínez was initially among the profile of forwards evaluated by Barcelona, the club abandoned all contact with the player and his agent once club president Joan Laporta spoke directly with Inter leadership.
Evaluating the Attack: Raphinha’s Evolution and the Julián Álvarez Pursuit
Deco also clarified the club’s offensive adjustments following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, whom the executive described as a unique striker and “the best nine.”
With Lewandowski moving on, Barcelona targeted a mobile forward capable of linking play, with Julián Álvarez identified as a primary option. However, after making an offer, Barcelona were informed Manchester City would not sell the player, forcing a pivot in the transfer market.
“The idea always has been to bring in a nine of mobility, of associative capacity and Julián was one of these,” Deco said. “The thing has not been possible, we have made an offer. The club has always said they would not sell him and we have to look for other solutions.”
Gabriel Jesus subsequently emerged as the ideal alternative after falling out of favor at Arsenal, with Deco praising the forward’s top-tier quality and noting that a change in environment provides new motivation.
Concurrently, the club benefited from an unexpected tactical breakthrough with Raphinha. Discussing conversations with manager Hansi Flick regarding a shift in the attacking structure, Deco admitted the coaching staff did not anticipate the Brazilian winger thriving centrally.
“We are happy because we have discovered a new facet of Raphinha,” Deco stated. “Performing this role is different; sometimes he does not come into contact with the ball constantly… so the dynamic changes. We didn’t expect him to perform so well—or at least not at this level—but his quality is exceptional, enormous.”
Rodri’s Arrival and Stance on Young Prospects
On the recruitment front, Deco highlighted a renewed pulling power at Barcelona, driven by recent sporting success and the club’s overarching sporting project under Flick.
Regarding Rodrigo’s transfer, Deco emphasized that the deal differed due to the player’s deep ties to Manchester City. “In the case of Rodrigo it was different because he was everything at City. They helped Rodri to leave because it was his desire,” Deco explained.
Addressing rumors surrounding Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel visiting Barcelona, Deco dismissed any active negotiations.
“No, there is nothing to say about this boy,” Deco said. “It is usual that certain players are always linked with us; there are big interests involved. Although they are young, we are not interested in any player. As for his situation, I’m not sure what happened. I don’t know. He is still a Manchester United player.”
