Deco talks Lewandowski, Ferran, Olmo, Luis Diaz, Rashford, Raphinha’s renewal | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco has made it clear in his recent interview with El Món a Rac1 that the club’s priority is to strengthen from within before making major moves in the transfer market.

While big names like Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford continue to be linked with the Blaugrana, Deco believes the current squad, bolstered by upcoming renewals and internal solutions, can compete at a high level.

Deco started by expressing satisfaction with the progress on contract renewals. He highlighted the importance of keeping key players such as Lamine Yamal, Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde, whose continuity, he believes, will ensure the backbone of the project remains intact.

Replacing Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona are not looking to sign a number 9. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The conversation inevitably turned to the future of Robert Lewandowski. With the striker set to turn 37 in August, questions have arisen about finding a long-term replacement.

But Deco was quick to dismiss the urgency, pointing to players like Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo as capable of filling in when needed.

“In the squad, we have players like Ferran who can play there; we’ve played with Dani as a false ‘9’. Right now, this squad has internal solutions when Robert is not there,” he began saying.

“In today’s football, not all top teams use a classic number 9. PSG don’t, Arsenal don’t, and only Inter have a fixed striker like Thuram,” Deco explained.

“We have Lewandowski, who remains top-class, and others like Ferran who’ve had a spectacular season and can play there.”

Signing a winger

Luis Diaz is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

On the wings, Deco was more open to the idea of reinforcement. With Raphinha and Lamine Yamal holding down the flanks, there’s a desire to bring in another high-quality wide player to increase competition.

Diaz and Rashford were both name-dropped during the interview. However, Deco made it clear that public discussions are complicated due to contractual situations:

“We like Luis and Rashford, but they are under contract. More important than external signings is improving what we already have at home.”

Raphinha’s renewal

Raphinha will sign a contract renewal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He also confirmed that Raphinha will extend his contract until 2028, rewarding his exceptional season.

The Brazilian, who joined from Leeds United in 2022, has racked up 34 goals and 22 assists in all competitions this term. Deco praised the winger’s attitude and commitment:

“Raphinha doesn’t surprise me. I’ve known him for many years. His first year at Barça was very good, his second year saw a dip, but it’s true that this year he’s been at a brutal level. He would renew for one more year.

“For a player to be at Barça, he has to be at 200%, he has to be there with desire, soul and heart.

“Raphinha didn’t want to leave from the first minute, he showed total confidence in himself, and we were delighted because what we wanted was to improve the team’s level.

“If we hadn’t had Raphinha, we would have dropped the level, whoever came,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo