Barcelona had everything ready to finalize one of the most important deals of its new cycle. Since Hansi Flick arrived on the bench, he requested a very specific profile to complete its attacking trio. A young, game-changing player with European experience and vision to play between the lines.
For months, Deco worked quietly to fulfill the German coach's wish. The priority was clear and everything revolved around that name. The problem was something else: the competition came with financial muscle that Barça couldn't match.
A million-dollar clause that no one thought would be paid... until now
The player in question had shown clear signs of interest in wearing the blaugrana jersey. Even from his inner circle, a historic fondness for the Barça model was leaked. But modern soccer doesn't care about romanticism when millions are at stake.
In the last few hours, a Premier League giant has burst in with a stunning offer. The €150 million ($150 million) release clause has been paid in full. No negotiations, no loans, no deadlines: a total bet on his talent.
At Can Barça, this outcome hasn't gone down well at all. They knew it was difficult, but they didn't expect to lose him so soon. Flick has been left unsettled and Deco, forced to rethink his plans.
His numbers prove he's one of the best in the continent
The footballer's performance this season has been spectacular. He has played 45 official matches, scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists. His influence on his team's play has been total.
He's a footballer capable of reading spaces, breaking lines, and linking up in tight spaces with surgical precision. He has dribbling skills, a final pass, and a maturity beyond his years. For all these reasons, he was the coaching staff's top choice to strengthen the left wing.
Hansi Flick knows him well and considered him key to his playing philosophy. He was going to be the ideal partner for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the new culé attack.
Barça couldn't compete... neither in salary nor in structure
Although there were approaches, Barça was never in a position to compete financially. Financial fair play limitations required prior maneuvers that didn't arrive in time. Meanwhile, a definitive offensive was being prepared from England.
The Catalan club even considered including players in the deal, but its rival's offer was irresistible. They not only paid the clause, but also offered a world-class net salary.
The player weighed everything. He wanted to come to Barça, but his inner circle advised him to accept the English challenge. He, with ambition, has taken the step.
A painful blow to the blaugrana planning
The first reactions have already come from the locker room. Several teammates, including Pedri, were excited about his possible arrival. His signing was seen as a qualitative leap for Flick's project.
Now, everything is shaking. Barça will have to look for other options in a complicated and overheated market. Although there are alternatives, none have the complete profile this player offered.
The sporting management accepts it as a tactical failure, but they won't stop. The goal remains to build a competitive team in the medium term, with or without this signing.
The outcome is now official. The club that has won the bidding is Liverpool. It has signed the footballer for €150 million ($150 million), making him one of the most expensive signings in history.
Yes, Barça's main target this summer was none other than Florian Wirtz. The German is heading to Anfield and leaves Flick without his most desired piece.
A missed opportunity that hurts... a lot.