Barcelona director Deco talks Ferran, Casado, Araujo, Rashford, Balde, De Jong, Cubarsi
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Barcelona sporting director Deco has offered insight into several departures from the club this summer, including the decisions that saw Ferran Torres, Marc Casado and Ronald Araujo leave the squad.
The changes have significantly altered the depth of Hansi Flick’s team, although Deco’s comments to SPORT suggest Barcelona were not clearing space.
Each departure had its own circumstances, with the club also retaining an interest in how several players develop away from Camp Nou.
Deco explains Ferran and Casado departures
Ferran Torres completed a permanent move to Paris Saint-Germain after contributing to Barcelona’s title-winning squad, and Deco believes the forward deserved the opportunity to pursue a fresh challenge.
“The players at Barça need to be happy and giving 100 per cent. I’m happy for him and his hat-trick. Football is all about morale; we all started well.
“He wanted to go out there and make his mark. If he asks to leave, we’ll let him go. He contributed so much. I wish him all the best at PSG.”
Marc Casado’s situation was more complicated for Barcelona given his academy background.
The midfielder has joined Deportivo La Coruna on loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent for €30 million.
“It’s harder when a home-grown player leaves. He’s a die-hard Barça fan. He’s an example to the youngsters of resilience and persistence.
“That’s the way football is – not everyone can play. It’s a tough decision. We’re looking for a solution. He decided where he wanted to go on loan.”
On Araujo and Rashford
Marc Casado has signed for Deportivo on loan. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo has also left temporarily, joining Liverpool on loan with an option to buy reportedly worth around €55 million.
Deco remains personally attached to the defender but admitted their respective views have not always aligned.
“I watched the Liverpool match yesterday. I love him. I’m fond of him; I want him to succeed. Personally, I love him. At times, he hasn’t been able to perform at his best.
“His time at Barça has been spectacular. Sometimes, our ideas don’t align. He’s under contract with us; it’s still too early.”
Deco also explained why Barcelona chose Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.
“We’re grateful to Rashford, but Gordon brings more to what the manager is looking for. Didn’t Julián come? It doesn’t matter. We’re delighted with Gabriel,” said Deco.
Addressing Balde and de Jong’s situations
Attention then turned to Alejandro Balde, whose future was questioned late in the window despite no transfer materialising.
Deco, however, noted that the left-back remains a key member of the current roster.
“Nothing has happened; he’s one of our players. He’s 22 years old, has a bright future ahead of him and a contract with the best club in the world. He has to fight for his place.
Alejandro Balde was linked to Barcelona exit throughout the summer. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“He’s had injuries, but two years ago he was spectacular. If Balde is fit, it’s hard to imagine him not playing for Barça.
“There’s been a lot of talk, but he’s never given any indication that he wants to leave. Whether he plays or not isn’t a decision for the sporting management.”
On Frenkie de Jong’s injury, Deco stressed that Barcelona would respect the midfielder’s privacy before confirming Rodri’s arrival has no bearing on his position.
“We don’t discuss club matters or medical issues. It’s private. We produce reports and medical statements. If I have a problem, I go and see the doctor.
“Others have people they consult outside the club. It’s a very personal matter. When we found out about the injury, we discussed it with him.
“He spoke to people he trusts. He didn’t receive any offers. Rodri’s arrival doesn’t affect him,” he added.
Lastly, there was also some praise reserved for Barcelona’s defensive leader Pau Cubarsi, about whom Deco said,
“Cubarsí is the Lamine of centre-backs, the most impressive talent around at the moment. He has made tremendous progress.
“He has matured, he’s a leader, and he’s ironed out the minor details. A centre-back cannot afford to make mistakes,” he concluded.