All alarms have gone off in FC Barcelona's offices. Although the transfer market has only just begun, the sporting management has detected an opportunity it can't let slip away. This is a top-level defensive reinforcement who seemed to have everything set with another major European club.
Barça has gone from observing to intervening directly. In recent hours, Deco has sped up contacts to sound out a top-level international center-back. His profile fits perfectly with the project Hansi Flick has been building since he arrived on the bench.
The defender in question has Champions League experience, leadership in his national team, and still a very high potential. His contract situation is favorable for negotiations and from the Barça camp, they consider it a real possibility. In addition, the player is seriously considering a change of scenery this very summer.
A direct blow to Real Madrid's plans
Until recently, everything pointed to the player ending up at Santiago Bernabéu. Negotiations were quite advanced and the agreement seemed close. The white club had considered two options: closing the signing this summer or waiting for him to become a free agent in 2026.
But the outlook has changed radically in a matter of days. Barça's emergence has altered the script and forced a reconsideration of the entire operation. According to several sources, Deco has already started contacts with the center-back's camp and is willing to submit a formal proposal.
The player, who hasn't renewed with his current team, is watching the blaugrana's move closely. Both sporting and personal aspects will weigh in his final decision. The possibility of having a leading role in Flick's new Barça hasn't gone unnoticed.
A key profile for Flick's project
There is unanimity within the coaching staff: the signing would be an immediate quality boost for the Barça backline. The center-back in question stands out for his physical power, anticipation skills, and excellent ball distribution. He is the type of footballer who fits into demanding, high-tempo systems like the one Flick proposes.
Barça isn't looking for a marketing operation, but rather a functional and strategic addition. The priority is to build a balanced squad, with top-level alternatives in every position. In defense, there are still profiles missing that can offer guarantees against Europe's top rivals.
The German coach's interest has been decisive in speeding up the operation. Flick wants to have the player as soon as possible to facilitate his tactical integration. In a demanding schedule, every detail makes a difference, and this addition could be decisive.
Barça speeds up, but knows it's not alone
The sporting management knows the financial margin is limited, but that doesn't mean they give up competing. The key will be to convince the player that the Barça project is the one that can offer him the most. Deco trusts his persuasive ability and the appeal that Barça's badge still holds.
They are considering creative formulas such as deferred payments, loans with a purchase obligation, or swaps. The club is willing to make certain efforts if the outcome is worth it. In this case, all signs point to yes.
Although appearances are still kept up, privately this operation is already being discussed as a priority. Barça has once again interrupted a Real Madrid signing, as has happened in the past. The goal is to snatch one of the most desired center-backs on the current market.
This is none other than Ibrahima Konaté, French international and defensive pillar of Liverpool. Real Madrid had him on its radar for months, but the blaugrana offensive has changed the scenario. Now everything is open, and Deco is determined to win this battle against the eternal rival.