In the world of soccer, planning mistakes can be very costly. Sometimes it's not about losing a final or signing poorly, but about not signing in time. That is precisely the case that now hits FC Barcelona from a distance.
Just a few years ago, the club had the opportunity to sign one of the great promises of Brazilian soccer. His name was already starting to be heard among scouts, but he was still completely unknown to the general public. As happens so often, they didn't bet on him.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
He was within reach: he cost only 1.5 million
This emerging gem excelled in the lower categories of Vasco da Gama. At just 17 years old, he had already earned a place in the first team. Additionally, he was a regular in Brazil's youth teams.
It was then that André Cury, a former Barça collaborator in South America, recommended his signing. The operation was simple, and the price barely reached 1.5 million euros. A bargain that, at that time, didn't convince either Deco or Joan Laporta.
Both considered that it wasn't the time to take a risk on a player without experience in Europe. The signing was discarded, and months later, another club acted decisively. That decision would mark a turning point.
Joan Laporta in a press conference | @jlaportaoficial
Chelsea, always alert to young talent, didn't miss the opportunity. They paid 12 million euros to bring him to London. Their plan was clear: sign him and loan him out to gain experience in different leagues.
First, he returned on loan to Brazil, then moved to Nottingham Forest. None of those destinations offered real continuity. But the talent was there, waiting for an opportunity to explode.
Deco | FC Barcelona
Strasbourg: the stage of his explosion
In Strasbourg, a club also linked to Chelsea, he found the ideal context. He played practically everything, was an undisputed starter, and even captain in several matches.
He scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists, remarkable figures for a box-to-box midfielder. His performance was so high that it sparked the interest of half of Europe.
Now he combines physicality, technique, intelligence, and arrival. His evolution is evident, and his market value has skyrocketed.
Chelsea counts on him for Enzo Maresca's preseason. He is also expected to play in the Club World Cup. But if a good offer comes, they could sell him.
They have already received proposals close to 60 million euros. Barça reappears on the list... but from a weak position.
Deco hasn't forgotten what could have been. He is impressed by his evolution, but he knows that now the price is unaffordable.
Barça can only watch... and regret
Today, the player costs 40 times more than his original price. The opportunity was lost, and now the club watches as others benefit from his development.
Barça's environment acknowledges that it was a misjudgment. A mistake that now translates into an impossible operation.
The protagonist is Andrey Santos. At 20 years old, he already shines in France, prepares for the Premier League, and is on the radar of major European clubs.
To think that Barça could have signed him for only 1.5 million. Today, Deco follows him... but from very far away. The train has already passed.
