Barcelona's sports management is working at full speed to finalize new signings this summer. With Hansi Flick already installed as the new coach, conversations have accelerated to strengthen several key positions. One of them, the attack, could receive a player of international renown.
The problem is not his quality, nor his experience. It is simply that not everyone at the club is clear about his arrival. Neither in the offices nor in the locker room.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
An ideal profile on paper
The footballer in question fits what Deco is looking for in this new stage. He is fast, has a goal, is versatile, and knows the European elite. He can play on the wing or inside, something highly valued by the new coaching staff.
Additionally, he has a competitive character, knows how to take on responsibilities, and is not weighed down by the stage. On paper, it is a logical signing. But in practice, there are more doubts than certainties.
Deco | @deco_official
The price is one of the major obstacles. The selling club has set a figure close to 85 million euros. For Barça's current economic conditions, it is a difficult amount to digest.
In an environment where every sports decision must go through multiple filters, the figure has caused concern. Not only in the management but also in the squad. Some heavyweights in the locker room have already expressed their disagreement.
The players don't see it as a priority
Several important voices within the first team believe that this money should be used in other positions. The left-back, the goalkeeper, and a replacement for Lewandowski still have no clear solution. Therefore, they don't understand betting everything on a winger.
They also don't see it as an obvious improvement over what is already there. With Lamine Yamal consolidated and Raphinha in great form, his fit is debated. In summary, it is not perceived as a qualitative leap.
Raphinha | @FCBarcelona
Despite the internal noise, Deco defends the operation. He believes it is a mature player capable of competing at the highest level. His experience in the Premier and international tournaments is a plus.
The sports director is convinced that he would bring balance, leadership, and verticality. He sees him as the perfect complement for Lamine and a real alternative when Lewandowski is not there.
Lamine Yamal in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Hansi Flick, without urgency
Flick has not vetoed the signing, but he hasn't demanded it either. He understands the player's profile and values his versatility, but prioritizes other needs. For now, he remains on the sidelines of the debate.
The technical management knows that the German wants defensive reinforcements and a goalkeeper. A winger only makes sense if other shortcomings are solved first. And that's where the operation loses strength.
Flick | @FCBarcelona
The financial impact of the signing is also a concern. Although Laporta seeks income and a reduction in the wage bill, there are no immediate guarantees. An 85 million expenditure implies risk.
Even more so if the player doesn't perform at the desired level. In the past, expensive signings without impact have left scars. Nobody wants to repeat mistakes like those of Coutinho or Dembélé.
There are younger alternatives on the radar
Other names have been considered with better projection and room for revaluation. Nico Williams and Rafael Leao are two of them. Both younger, and with a more exciting profile for part of the locker room.
Meanwhile, the possible arrival of the winger in question remains on hold. His agent has offered facilities, but without internal consensus, the agreement doesn't advance. Everything will depend on the upcoming meetings between Deco, Flick, and Laporta.
The footballer generating so many doubts is Luis Díaz. The Colombian from Liverpool is Deco's great desire, but not the locker room's. His arrival, if it happens, will be a personal bet by the sports director.
As of today, that bet doesn't have unanimity. At Barça, when there is internal division, it is usual for the brake to come before the announcement.
