Deco dismisses talk of financial crisis at Barcelona

In an interview with BBC Sport, the 47-year-old dismissed speculation that the Catalan giants need to sell players to balance the books, attributing financial constraints to La Liga's stringent financial fair play regulations rather than internal mismanagement.

"It is not a financial problem," Deco insisted. "But the financial fair play rules in Spain are more difficult than in the Premier League and other countries. You hear about Barca because we're a big club, but it affects many others too."

Since taking over as sporting director in 2023, Deco has helped guide a turnaround at the club. Barcelona secured a domestic treble this past season and reached the Champions League semi-finals, all while reinforcing their long-term foundation.

Key contract renewals - including those of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and manager Hansi Flick - highlight the club's commitment to continuity. Barcelona also received clearance from Spain's National Sports Council to register Dani Olmo, following a regulatory dispute with La Liga.

Despite persistent rumors linking top players with exits, Deco says the club is under no pressure to sell.

"We will not sell our best players. We can grow with many of the same players," he said. While the club is targeting "two, three or four signings", Deco emphasized that Barcelona won't be spending recklessly: "We don't need to go into the market like crazy."

Deco also referenced the club's lucrative new agreement with Nike, calling it "one of the biggest contracts in history." Alongside the reopening of the newly-renovated 100,000 - seat Nou Camp - now the largest stadium in Europe-the club expects significant revenue boosts.

Although cautious, Barcelona are weighing up summer reinforcements. Deco declined to comment directly on links to Marcus Rashford and Luis Díaz, both reportedly available for around 40 million pounds.

"These are good players, but they are under contract. It's not fair to speak about them. We'll look at the market after our renewals," he said.

Among those renewals, none stands out more than Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy who signed a six-year extension until 2031.

The Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy winner has already racked up 106 first-team appearances, contributing 18 goals and 25 assists this season across all competitions. He played a pivotal role in all four of Barcelona's El Clasico wins over Real Madrid and was part of Spain's victorious European Championship squad.

Inevitable comparisons have been drawn to Lionel Messi, but Deco urges caution.

"Lamine is Lamine. Leo is Leo," he said. "Leo was the best player in history. Lamine can make history too, but we need to protect him. He's only 17."

Barcelona are making deliberate efforts to manage Yamal's public exposure, mindful of the demands from sponsors and fans.

"Everyone wants a piece of him. We need to help him manage that. People see his magic, and you'd pay just to watch him play," Deco added.

Looking ahead, Deco acknowledged the challenge posed by arch-rivals Real Madrid, now under new head coach Xabi Alonso, and actively strengthening with the acquisitions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and potentially Alvaro Carreras.

"Madrid has a lot of top players. It's important for La Liga that they are strong-and that we are too," said Deco. "Keeping top players in Spain helps the whole league."

READ: Desire Doue beats Lamine Yamal to UCL Young Player Award