Deco leads Barcelona transfer planning under La Liga’s 1:1 rule

Sporting director Deco has returned to Barcelona to finalise next season’s squad planning under La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule for the first time since taking charge. The Portuguese executive now operates with significantly greater transfer-market flexibility after the club secured the rule’s implementation. Inside Camp Nou, Deco enjoys the full trust of president Joan Laporta and the board, with insiders describing his position as one of the club’s most important this summer. The confidence follows two transfer windows in which the sporting department generated a positive balance while strengthening the first team. Barcelona are expected to have well over €100 million available for new signings, excluding any income from player sales. One priority is replacing Robert Lewandowski with a new centre-forward, with the club still monitoring Julián Álvarez despite the competition from Atlético Madrid. Deco has already completed two deals this month. Anthony Gordon joined for €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons, beating Bayern Munich to his signature. The club also made Hamza Abdelkarim’s transfer permanent for €1.5 million.

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Outgoing moves are nearing completion. Iñaki Peña is set to join Panathinaikos, while Ansu Fati is close to a permanent exit. Diego Kochen will leave on loan to Danish side Lyngby. Deco’s first summer in charge produced Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, moves viewed positively internally. He also addressed the goalkeeping situation by signing Joan García for €25 million; the player has since become a crucial starter. Marcus Rashford arrived on loan and delivered impressive numbers despite limited starting berths. Roony Bardghji was recruited for a modest fee and may leave permanently or on loan this summer to further his development. Across the last two summers, the sporting department maintained financial sustainability while strengthening the squad and securing core-team renewals. This summer, Deco has the opportunity to elevate Hansi Flick’s project with greater financial freedom and a budget exceeding €100 million. With Barcelona aiming to defend recent major honours and mount a serious Champions League challenge, the pressure on Deco’s department is considerable. The club’s ambition now hinges on executing a decisive transfer strategy under the restored 1:1 rule.