Deco insists Barcelona are financially stable despite La Liga constraints

Barcelona sporting director Deco has dismissed claims that the club is facing financial difficulties, stating that while La Liga’s financial regulations are strict, they do not require the club to sell players.

Since taking over in 2023, Deco has overseen a successful revival at the Catalan club, guiding them to a domestic treble and a Champions League semi-final appearance.

He emphasized that Barcelona’s challenge lies in navigating Spain’s financial fair play rules, which he described as more demanding than those in other leagues.

Under Deco’s leadership, the club has prioritized retaining key talent, securing new contracts for teenage star Lamine Yamal, winger Raphinha, and manager Hansi Flick. Additionally, Spain’s National Sports Council recently allowed the registration of midfielder Dani Olmo after a dispute with La Liga.

Deco stressed that the club’s strategy is built on a balance of academy graduates and experienced players, which has been vital to their resurgence.

Barcelona’s financial outlook, Deco argued, is buoyed by long-term commercial deals, including what he described as “one of the biggest contracts in history” with Nike.

With the renovation of the Nou Camp—now the largest stadium in Europe—expected to significantly boost revenue, Deco remains confident that Barcelona can maintain competitiveness without major player sales. He insisted the club would look to add two to four signings but would avoid unnecessary spending.

When asked about transfer speculation linking the club to Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz, Deco declined to discuss specific targets out of respect for the players’ current clubs. However, he confirmed Barcelona would explore options in the market sensibly.

According to him, the current core of the squad is strong enough to build on, and the positive image of the club continues to attract top talent who want to join or remain at Camp Nou.

Deco acknowledged that competition in La Liga remains fierce, particularly with Real Madrid strengthening under new coach Xabi Alonso and signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.

Yet, he welcomed a strong Madrid, stating it was crucial for the league’s appeal and competitiveness. Deco said that strong rivals like Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid push Barcelona to maintain their high standards.

Lamine Yamal, who recently signed a new six-year deal, remains a centerpiece of Barcelona’s future. At just 17, he has already made over 100 appearances and has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi.

Deco praised Yamal’s quality and potential but urged patience, reminding fans that he is still young. 

He emphasized the club’s commitment to shielding him from off-pitch pressures, saying Barcelona learned how to manage similar situations during Messi’s rise to global stardom.