Deco talks Flick, Araujo, Lewandowski, Haaland, Rashford, Eric Garcia – ‘He is going to renew’ | OneFootball

Speaking on Que t’hi jugues (h/t SPORT), FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed that Eric Garcia is all set to renew his contract with the club.

Garcia is one of a few players at the club whose contract expires at the end of the season and the director has now confirmed that the versatile defender, who has become a key player for Hansi Flick, will continue beyond this season.

“He is going to renew. There are still some details to be ironed out, but we’ve discussed it,” revealed Deco.

Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is another player who finds himself in the same situation, but the former midfielder insisted that no decision had been made with the veteran forward yet.

“He’s a player who has one year left on his contract. He’s given us a lot and still has a lot to give us, but we haven’t talked yet. We have to analyse it year by year,” commented Deco.

Deco welcomed the recent renewals of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, which have helped consolidate the project that he and Flick are building.

“We have a young squad with renewed players. Pedri was entering the final year of his contract this year, as were Gavi and Frenkie,” noted Deco.

“We have to work on it, because they have offers from other clubs. Renewing means stability for the coach and for the club,” he added.

On Hansi Flick, Ronald Araujo situations

Meanwhile, Deco played down concerns about manager Hansi Flick after the image of the German sitting dejected on the bench following the match against Alaves.

“I see him the same, with the day-to-day challenges. Things always happen at the club,” said Deco.

Deco insists Flick is very happy at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“Yesterday there was another injury and he has to manage that, but despite all the difficulties he is overcoming them and looking for solutions, such as playing Gerard at centre-back. Barça is a big club, but I see him as content and happy here,” he added.

Deco also provided support to Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who is taking time off to work on his mental health, saying:

“He’s alright. He’ll recover, it’s just a temporary setback. We’re not setting a date, he has to take it slowly.”

On transfer plans

During the interview, Deco ruled out the possibility of making any new signings in the January transfer window.

The sporting director added that he is not focused on new signings, including a hypothetical move for Erling Haaland to replace Lewandowski.

“At the moment, Robert is our number nine. It’s not the right time, because we have important players under contract, and we shouldn’t be talking about players from other clubs. We shouldn’t be obsessed with any particular player,” he remarked.

Deco also did not clarify whether Barça will sign Rashford permanently, saying: “We haven’t decided, because it’s not the right time. We’re happy with him, he’s giving us a lot.”