Deco is clear that it's not just about signing new talent. Barça also needs to renew key contracts and free up space. In order to move forward, it will be necessary to finalize departures in the coming weeks.
Many want to stay, but not everyone will have a spot. The sporting department has started to make tough decisions. Some will even affect those who seemed certain to stay.
One of the most sensitive cases is Frenkie de Jong's. The midfielder's contract ends in 2026 and he still hasn't renewed. Although both parties want to continue, there still isn't a definitive agreement.
Frenkie wants to stay, but his inner circle is starting to change
Deco has been negotiating with the Dutchman for over a year. Talks remain open, but time is running out. Barça needs clarity to plan its immediate future.
While Frenkie remains uncertain, news is shaking up his personal circle. His best friend in the locker room is about to leave. Barça has already started preparing his departure.
Christensen, the big casualty in Barça's defense
This is Andreas Christensen, Danish center-back and close friend of Frenkie. The defender isn't in Hansi Flick's plans for next season. Deco has publicly confirmed that one of the five center-backs will leave.
Ronald Araújo will stay, according to Deco himself. Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez have their continuity assured. Everything indicates that Christensen will be the one sacrificed.
Deco confirms: there isn't room for everyone in defense
Deco's words next weekend were clear: "There are many center-backs and someone will have to leave," he stated bluntly. He also insisted that Araújo isn't for sale. In that scenario, Christensen is the main candidate to leave the club, in addition to the fact that his departure would free up an important roster spot.
Christensen has a market and could leave soon
The Dane has been offered to several Premier League clubs. He has a good reputation there after his time at Chelsea. Barça hopes to get between 25 and 30 million for his transfer.
That amount would help balance the books and close new signings. In addition, his departure would ease the wage bill. Everything indicates that the farewell will be a matter of days.
Frenkie stays, but loses his closest ally
Frenkie de Jong will be able to continue negotiating his renewal calmly. But he will lose his biggest support in the locker room. Christensen's departure won't be easy for him on a personal level.
Barça needs to move forward with tough but necessary decisions. The Dane's departure is another step in that direction. Deco is clear about it: it's time to restructure in order to compete at the highest level again.