Barcelona keeps working on trying to strengthen their squad for the 2025/2026 season, with the blaugrana club still affected by Financial Fair Play issues. The blaugrana club has made strengthening the midfield a priority, and Deco, the culé sporting director, is very clear about it: there's one name he wants no matter what. He considers this signing necessary, key, and above all, possible at zero cost.
The Portuguese executive is making moves to close the deal as soon as possible; it's about a player with experience, talent, and vision. A midfielder who knows the elite and can immediately raise the quality of the midfield. Deco has already communicated to the club's management his desire to bring him in without a transfer fee this very summer.
According to sources close to the technical department, the objective is very clear; the plan is to take advantage of the fact that his contract ends on June 30 (30 de junio). The footballer won't renew with his current team and will become a free agent. It's a perfect situation for FC Barcelona, which needs to make these kinds of moves to compete in the market without further compromising their already strained salary cap.
Romeu is a certain absence
The midfield is one of the areas of concern, Oriol Romeu, on loan at Gironawill leave, and there's uncertainty about Gavi's future; Barça wants to protect themselves. Deco is looking for a very specific profile. A player who can provide balance, who can play the ball out cleanly, and who won't be affected by Camp Nou environment.
In addition, coach Hansi Flick has given the green light; the German manager values the experience of the player in question and believes he'd fit perfectly into his play style. That's why the sporting management is speeding things up. They don't want other clubs to get ahead; the player also has offers from Italy and the Premier League.
Thomas is Deco's desired signing
The key will be the footballer's willingness; Deco has already had several contacts with his camp, and the message is clear: at Barça, he'll have minutes, a leading role, and an attractive project. On top of that, there's the possibility of playing alongside young talents like Gavi, Pedri, or Fermin López. It's an ideal environment for a midfielder who wants to feel important at the elite level again.
The main target is Thomas Partey; the Ghanaian's contract with Arsenal is expiring, and they're looking to renew him. Deco has been following his situation for months and believes it's a perfect market opportunity. It's a signing that doesn't involve a transfer fee and can provide immediate impact. Thomas has experience in LaLiga, leadership, and quality in playing the ball out from the back.
In addition, he's a defensive profile who would perfectly complement the rest of the midfielders; his arrival would allow De Jong and Pedri to be freed from certain defensive duties. This is something Deco considers a priority for the new project; the deal could be closed in the coming weeks. It would be a low-cost addition but of high sporting value for Barça.