Deco has put an end to use of player-led release clauses in Barcelona renewals | OneFootball

It has been two years since Ousmane Dembele’s controversial departure to Paris Saint-Germain, which left a lasting impression at FC Barcelona. The French winger activated a release clause that allowed him to leave abruptly, and the move was further complicated by a dispute over the distribution of the transfer fee.

While the episode is now in the past, it served as a clear warning for the club. In the time since, sporting director Deco has taken steps to ensure that similar situations are not repeated.

As reported by SPORT, Deco has introduced a firm policy regarding player contracts. Under his direction, Barcelona have steadily moved away from including special release clauses that are driven by the player’s or their agents’ desire to leave on their own terms.

This approach has already been reflected in several key renewals and is now a core principle of the club’s contract strategy.

A Clear Shift in Strategy at Barcelona

(Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Previously, it was precisely this kind of clause that enabled Dembele’s uncontrollable exit. But since stepping into the role, Deco has focused on long-term planning and building a more stable squad.

Central to that vision is the idea that player departures should happen on the club’s terms, not through legal loopholes or agent-led maneuvering.

This revised approach has already shaped several recent renewals. Extensions for key players like Pedri, Gavi, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal have all followed a stricter, club-first model.

The same strategy is now being applied to the upcoming contract renewals of Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia, none of which are expected to include agent-driven exit clauses.

While some of Deco’s broader sporting decisions have sparked debate, his work in contract management has been deliberate and forward-thinking.

By locking down core players without flexible escape routes, he has helped create a more secure foundation for the club’s future.

This policy shift, combined with targeted summer reinforcements and signs of improving financial health, reflects a more disciplined and sustainable model at Barcelona. Under Deco’s guidance, the club is working to build a squad anchored not by temporary commitments or exit options, but by long-term belief in the project.