Deco talks Flick, Szczesny, Ter Stegen, Pena, De Jong, Araujo, Kounde, Ansu, Garcia, Nico Williams | OneFootball

Barcelona Sporting Director Deco has offered a detailed overview of the club’s sporting direction following a successful season in which the team secured three titles.

In a candid assessment, Deco made it clear that the primary goal moving forward is to consolidate the existing squad and then look to make calculated additions, rather than rush into a transfer frenzy.

Hansi Flick’s impact and future

Deco praised Hansi Flick’s stabilising influence, stating that his presence has brought much-needed continuity to the project.

“The goal was to rebuild and have a team. Everyone who’s come through has been important.

“Flick has provided stability, and we wanted to provide stability to the project with his continuity. He’s happy here. He’s happy and identifies with the club and the city. If I were at another club, I’d think of him.”

The case of Nico Williams

Barcelona were interested in Nico Williams. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Deco admitted that Barcelona had eyes on Nico Williams and Dani Olmo last season, but while Olmo showed clear intent to join, Nico’s case “dragged on” and ultimately fell through.

“He’s a great player. We’ve seen his potential. Last season, there were two players who could have improved the team: Nico and Olmo.

“Moments come and go. Dani showed from the very beginning that he wanted to come. Nico didn’t. It dragged on, and it couldn’t be done.”

Frenkie de Jong and moving on from the past

Frenkie de Jong remains a cornerstone in Flick’s project, and Deco emphasised that the club is looking ahead, not back.

Without delving into financial renegotiations, he made it clear that Frenkie is valued for his commitment and evolution, not judged based on past contracts. The message was firm:

“We have to stop talking about the past. What was done was done, and the players aren’t to blame for what they earn. Frenkie has taken a step toward what we expected as a club, and the most important thing is his commitment.

“He’s involved and feels good. We can’t be held back by what was done in the past. We have to think about the future; we want it to be there, and we’ve conveyed that to him. We haven’t discussed conditions.”

Goalkeeping plans: Szczesny, Ter Stegen, and the future

Barcelona will stick with Szczesny and Ter Stegen. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona plan to retain both Wojciech Szczesny and Marc-Andre ter Stegen for now, with Deco hinting at long-term planning given both keepers’ age profiles.

He also acknowledged that Inaki Pena’s decision would be respected. While Joan García’s name came up, Deco deferred judgment, admitting that goalkeeping is not his area of expertise, but confirmed that scouting is ongoing.

“We have two goalkeepers. The idea is to stick with Szczesny and Ter Stegen. Then we’ll see what Inaki decides. In two years, the team will need another goalkeeper due to age.

“We have talented players at home, but we have to see how they develop. Joan García? I’m not very knowledgeable about goalkeeping. It’s true that our scouting team is working to gather information. And Joan is a good goalkeeper.”

Confidence in the defence: Araujo and Kounde

Ronald Araujo, despite a turbulent season marked by injuries, remains highly valued.

Deco appreciated Ronald Araujo. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Deco explained that competition from Pau Cubarso and Inigo Martinez made it harder for Araujo to regain his starting spot, but stressed that the club is “happy with him” and pointed to his contract renewal as proof of trust.

“Araujo is one of the best centre-backs in the world. But it’s true that players have better years some years than others. Sometimes, as in his case, there are injuries. And when he returned, the team was at a great level with Cubarsi and Inigo, and it cost him more.

“We mustn’t forget his value. We’re happy with him, and that’s why we renewed his contract. I think Ronald is happy, and I don’t think he wants to leave.”

As for Jules Kounde, Deco acknowledged his quiet but essential role. The Frenchman’s willingness to take on difficult defensive duties, particularly when exposed in wide positions, was appreciated.

“He has two years left on his contract. Everyone has their own timing. Koundé gives us a lot in a game; he gives us defensive stability.

“We need a full-back who defends very well. He’s often conceded two-on-ones and doesn’t complain. More than just good players, you need a good dressing room.”

Ansu Fati’s uncertain path

Deco reaffirmed Barcelona’s faith in Ansu Fati, whose once-promising trajectory has been derailed by injuries. While the club is still counting on him, Deco subtly left the door open for Fati to assess his own future:

Ansu Fati is likely to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“He’s a player who had a spectacular burst of form, then the injuries hit. We wanted Ansu back, and he had a great preseason, but for whatever reason, he hasn’t had any opportunities.

“We don’t stop believing in the player, and we’re counting on him. From here, everyone can make their own personal analysis and see if they want to play more minutes.

“He’s a great player who hasn’t had much of a run this season. We’re happy with him. If he wants to improve, we’ll talk about it.”

Eric Garcia’s redemption

Finally, Deco expressed deep satisfaction with Eric García’s resurgence at Girona, calling past criticism of the defender unfair.

After regaining confidence during his loan spell, the centre-back is expected to return to Barcelona’s squad, with Deco making it clear that the club wants to keep him.

“Before going on loan to Girona, we talked a lot, and I was very clear that the criticism of Eric was unfair.

“Girona has been spectacular for him because he regained his self-esteem there. I already told Iván that he was very important to us. We want him to stay,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA