Deco Discusses Barcelona Transfers and Explains Why Bernardo Silva Didn't Sign

Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, reviewed the summer transfer window in an interview with RAC 1. The Portuguese analyzed the departures, new signings, and unsuccessful deals, such as the one for Bernardo Silva.

“He wanted to come to Barça, but things didn't work out. We have certain parameters, and it wasn't the position we were looking for. Moreover, it was about the economic aspect and playing time; he wanted to play. If there are perceptions different from ours, there's nothing we can do,” Deco revealed.

Rodri, in contrast, arrived at Barça from Manchester City. The Blaugrana's sporting director admitted it was a market opportunity. “A few months ago, we didn't even consider it. We thought it was impossible because he had another year on his contract. The moment it was rumored he might leave City, I asked their sporting director, who confirmed they would let him go,” Deco noted regarding Rodri's arrival, which doesn't affect Frenkie de Jong's role in the team: “I haven't had any offers for him.”

This summer, Barcelona also signed Anthony Gordon from the Premier League, who has four assists so far this season. “One of the things that troubled us last year was that without Raphinha, the team's energy dropped. We analyzed many wingers, but with Gordon, things were clear. He was very excited to be part of the project, and we paid his market value,” recalled the Portuguese, who believes the former Newcastle player adapts better than Marcus Rashford to Flick's demands: “We are grateful to Rashford, but Gordon gives us more of what the coach is looking for.”

The English winger arrived in Barcelona in a lightning-fast operation that even the media couldn't predict. “We have a closed working group. If it depended on the press, we would have signed 50 players. If there are leaks, transfers become complicated because agents or clubs change the terms. The name of Barça is very powerful; it moves the world,” Deco clarified.

The 49-year-old sporting director also analyzed the sales, which brought in nearly 100 million euros. Half of that money was paid by Paris Saint-Germain for Ferran Torres, who scored a hat-trick this Wednesday in the Champions League. “Players at Barça must be happy and at 100%. He wanted to leave to be a protagonist. Once he asked to leave, we let him go,” Deco remarked.

Ronald Araújo, who impressed in the Champions League with his back-heel assist for Liverpool's second goal, also left Barça this summer, albeit on loan. “I have affection for him, I want him to succeed. Personally, I like him a lot. At certain moments, he couldn't perform at his best, but his time at Barça was tremendous. He has a contract with us, it's still early (to make a decision),” the Portuguese director stated. He also expressed his disappointment over Marc Casadó's departure: “When a youth academy player leaves, it's tougher. He's an example of resilience and persistence for the youngsters. That's football; not everyone can play.”

On the other hand, Alejandro Balde, who has yet to debut this season, decided to stay at the Catalan club despite competition from Xavi Espart and João Cancelo. “Nothing has happened; he is our player. He is 22 years old, has a great future, and a contract with the best club in the world. If Balde is fit, it's hard for him not to play for Barça,” Deco concluded.