Barcelona director Deco’s next three main objectives in the transfer market – report | OneFootball

Barcelona director Deco has achieved considerable squad stability by renewing the contracts of nearly all the team’s young players, ensuring short- and medium-term calm.

However, next summer he will need to evolve the team with some significant adjustments. Even though it is just October, the club’s needs have been identified so that scouting and initial contacts can begin, with firm decisions expected from January onwards.

Deco’s three priorities for the transfer market

According to SPORT, Barcelona’s priorities are clear: signing a left-footed central defender with potential, a strong full-back, and above all, a world-class centre-forward who, in an election year, would likely become the team’s marquee signing and leading figure.

So far this season, defensive issues have already emerged, worsened by the unexpected free transfer of Inigo Martinez to Saudi Arabia. His departure has left a gap in defence, and there is concern within the club.

Although the position is currently covered by four players, Barcelona intend to bring in a left-footed defender of medium age, with international experience.

In recent weeks, the names of Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) and Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) have been mentioned. Both have similar profiles, their contracts expire in 2027, and they are expected to be available on the market in the summer.

Some big challenges ahead for Deco. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Regarding the full-back position, Hansi Flick has repeatedly stressed the importance of having a physically strong player to exploit the flanks.

Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are high-level players, but the German coach believes the team lacks the same strength in that area compared with other elite European clubs.

The match against PSG was a clear example, with both wings exposing Barcelona in the second half, just as happened against Inter in last season’s Champions League.

It is a difficult position to strengthen, as the best players are already established at major clubs with no possibility of transfer.

Lewandowski’s replacement the big challenge

The greatest challenge for Deco will undoubtedly be the striker position. All indications suggest that Robert Lewandowski will not continue after completing his four-year spell. If he does remain, it would be in an increasingly secondary role.

In this area, Barcelona cannot afford to fail and are aiming high, though the coming summer will be complex, given that many major transfers have already taken place across Europe.

Moves for the likes of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez will be explored. However, signing a top-level No. 9 would require a major sale.