Barcelona fully trust Deco ahead of decisive summer with 1:1 rule back in play | OneFootball

After enjoying a brief break with the Barça Legends a few weeks ago, sporting director Deco returned to Barcelona to continue planning the squad for next season.

The Portuguese executive is shaping up to be one of the club’s most important figures this summer.

According to AS, for the first time since taking charge of Barcelona’s sporting department, Deco is expected to operate under La Liga’s long-awaited 1:1 financial rule, giving the club significantly greater flexibility in the market.

And, inside the club, there is considerable confidence in Deco’s work heading into what promises to be a crucial summer. He has earned the full trust of Joan Laporta and the board.

Money to spend

As per the report, Barcelona are expected to have well over €100 million available for transfers, not including any income generated through player sales.

One of the priorities is signing a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona have not abandoned their interest in Julian Alvarez.

Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

Club officials are aware that any negotiations with Atletico Madrid will be difficult and lengthy, but Deco continues to keep alternative options in reserve should the Argentine become unattainable.

Early business already completed

Deco has already secured the signing of Anthony Gordon in a deal worth €70 million plus a further €10 million in add-ons, beating competition from clubs such as Bayern Munich.

Another move saw Barcelona decide to pay €1.5 million to make Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim’s transfer permanent.

On the outgoing side, several operations are close to completion. Inaki Pena is expected to join Panathinaikos, while Ansu Fati is also heading towards a permanent exit. Diego Kochen is set to leave on loan to Danish side Lyngby.

Full confidence in Deco

Within Barcelona, there is total trust and confidence in Deco’s work following the last two summer windows.

Last year, he addressed the goalkeeping situation by signing Joan Garcia for €25 million, who has gone on to become a crucial player. He also secured Marcus Rashford on loan, with the Englishman producing impressive numbers despite not always being a regular starter.

Barcelona are very happy with Deco. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Deco also brought in Roony Bardghji for a modest fee, with the youngster potentially leaving on loan or permanently this summer to continue his development.

During his first summer in charge, he completed the signings of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, moves that are also viewed positively within the club.

One of the biggest reasons behind Deco’s growing reputation is his ability to combine sporting competitiveness with financial sustainability.

Across the last two summers, Barça managed to generate a positive balance through sales, loan fees and percentages from future transfers, all while strengthening the squad and securing renewals for the core of the team.

A defining summer for the Flick project

With Barcelona finally able to operate under more normal financial conditions, Deco has a unique opportunity to elevate Flick’s project to another level.

After winning major honours over the last two seasons, the club’s ambition is to defend those titles and, above all, mount a serious challenge for the Champions League.

The pressure will be considerable, but with greater financial freedom and growing confidence in the sporting department, this summer could prove decisive in shaping Barcelona’s next era.