Deco shuts the door on Lamine but leaves it open for Araujo | OneFootball

Everything indicates that Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona, will have a very busy summer. His financial situation is not the best, so if he wants to be able to make signings, he will have to let players leave. A busy schedule that also includes meetings with footballers and players’ agents to decide their future.

Deco gave an interview on the Catalan regional channel, TV3, in which he spoke clearly about specific cases in the squad. Among them, he was adamant about the possible departure of Lamine Yamal, which is impossible, the door is closed and locked. However, he was not so adamant about Ronald Araújo this summer, despite the player having a recently renewed contract until 2031.

“We have spoken and he is happy. But if in the future, for whatever reason, a change is necessary, the door is open for him to let us know and he will change. But I don’t think that’s what he wants. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have renewed. I think he wants to stay here for many years to come,” said Deco, who was instrumental in the player’s decision to renew by appealing to sentiment, the possibility of a title and, above all, an improvement in his financial situation.

The one who does have the door closed, as we said, is the young Lamine Yamal, who has an overflowing talent and is a fundamental piece in Hansi Flick’s scheme. “There are key players and Lamine is one of them. There is no discussion about his future, there is no price, there is no issue, they don’t make us offers for him because they know we wouldn’t even consider it”.

An important issue for FC Barcelona is whether, given their economic situation, they will be able to go to the summer transfer market with guarantees. “City have spent more than 200 million this winter. We can’t afford that at the moment. But the truth is that we don’t need to bring in four or five players like City might need, as they are in a process of renewal over the next few years. We are already past that stage”.

Another issue on the sporting director’s agenda is the renewal of coach Hansi Flick, who has shown great work at the helm of the Catalan team. “We are very happy with him and I know he is very comfortable here. There will be no problem in getting him to stay for years to come and provide us with success and achievements.”