FC Barcelona keeps working discreetly but with maximum urgency in the summer transfer market. The current top priority is defense, and more specifically, the team's right-back position. Joan Laporta and Deco are studying a strategic signing that could be finalized within days.
The player in question has been on Barça's radar for some time, although there hasn't been any real movement until now. Hansi Flick has given the green light, and the footballer's interest in wearing the blaugrana jersey is total. At this point, the only thing holding up the deal is the financial fit and the need to free up roster spots.
Deco is working on several departures to create space, both in the locker room and within LaLiga's salary cap. There are up to three names on the table who could leave imminently: Oriol Romeu, Iñaki Peña, and Andreas Christensen. Their departure would allow one of the most carefully considered operations in recent months to be carried out.
An express signing with a deadline
The player has an active release clause that could greatly facilitate the signing at this time. This is a market opportunity that will only be available until July 31, according to the agreement with its current club. Starting in August, the price could rise or the player could disappear from the radar for good.
Barça doesn't want to let the opportunity slip away, but it needs to move quickly to avoid missing out on the bidding. The footballer's camp has informed the Catalan club of its willingness to wait until that specific date. However, other European clubs are also on the lookout, which adds pressure to the matter.
If the deal is executed now, the operation would cost €25 million, which is affordable by current standards. The club is considering different formulas to close the deal without compromising the overall summer planning. Meanwhile, the coaching staff insists that this signing is "essential" to be able to compete with guarantees.
A profile that fits Flick
The new coach is very fond of the player, especially because of his physical power and offensive depth on the flank. His arrival would allow Jules Koundé to return to his natural position as a center-back, improving defensive balance. In addition, he is an experienced international and has played in major tournaments with his national team.
The reports handled by the coaching staff support his level both in the offensive phase and in recovery tasks. His versatility would also allow him to play in three-man defense systems or as a wide wing-back. Flick believes he fits perfectly into its playing model and sees him as a starter in the short term.
The salary he would receive at Barça would be very similar to his current one, although slightly adjusted to the salary cap. Currently, at Inter Milan he earns about €3 million net per season, which is roughly €6 million gross. Barça has offered him a very similar figure, with performance-based variables that could raise his total salary.
Dumfries awaits Deco's call
The main figure in this operation is none other than Denzel Dumfries, Inter Milan's right-back. The Dutchman is clear about his intention: he wants to sign for Barça this summer and is willing to wait. He has made this known to his closest circle, convinced that he will fit into the culé project.
Dumfries believes this is the ideal time to make the leap to LaLiga and fight for titles regularly. He knows Barça needs him and that he can be important from day one in Flick's system. Deco has only until July 31 to execute the deal and make him the team's new right-back.