Deco talks Araujo Ansu, Christensen, De Jong, Yamal, Ballon d’Or – ‘One must go…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently gave an insightful interview to La Vanguardia, offering clarity on the club’s current plans and the future of several key players.

From potential Ballon d’Or nominees to contract renewals and possible exits, Deco addressed some of the most pressing matters at Barça.

When asked about potential Ballon d’Or contenders, Deco confidently placed Barcelona back in the mix.

“Lamine has a chance, like Pedri, Dembele or Vitinha. The great thing is to see Barça back in the running for the awards,” he said.

For Deco, the most exciting part is that Barça are once again producing players worthy of the top individual awards in football. Speaking specifically about Lamine Yamal, who is just 17, Deco praised his unique vision on the pitch.

“What geniuses have in common is that they see what others don’t, and Lamine has that.”

Updates on De Jong and Ansu Fati

Barcelona want to renew Frenkie de Jong’s contract. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Regarding Frenkie de Jong’s future, Deco expressed satisfaction with the Dutch midfielder’s performance this past season and hinted at a possible contract renewal.

“The Frenkie we had this season is the Frenkie we want. We want to continue with Frenkie. He has one more year on his contract, and we’re going to analyse things calmly,”

However, not everyone is guaranteed a future at the club. Ansu Fati’s situation is different. Deco admitted that the 22-year-old needs regular playing time and hinted that a move to Monaco could happen.

“At his age, he can’t be without playing. We’re open to helping if he wants to leave. Monaco has spoken with us. He has two years left, and if he asks, it would be a loan.”

One must leave

Andreas Christensen could leave Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Another name on the possible exit list is Andreas Christensen. With five centre-backs already in the squad, Deco was blunt about the need for one to leave.

“One must go due to an excess of players,” he explained. The decision, however, rests with new manager Hansi Flick. As Deco put it: “As Hansi says, ‘decision is job.’”

Lastly, with asked about Ronald Araujo, future, he noted, “We want to improve the team, not make it worse. If he leaves, we’ll lose an important piece.

“He had a difficult season, with unfair criticism. He’s one of the best centre-backs in the world. He doesn’t want to leave. He wants to get back to his best.”