According to SPORT and Gerard Romero, FC Barcelona’s incoming sports director Deco is optimistic of making one of the club’s major signings of the summer. In retirement, the former Barcelona midfielder, Champions League winner in 2006, served as an agent for players such as Raphinha. He is also working on recruitment in his birth nation ,Brazil, for the Catalans. Deco is certain to replace outgoing sporting director Jordi Cruyff in the coming weeks, according to The Athletic.
Newly elected sporting director Deco might sign Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque
Deco will resign as an player agent in order to avoid a potential conflict of interest. While Mateu Alemany will remain as director of football and be in charge of many signings. The ex-Portuguese international will be responsible for signing players, especially if the players are from South America’s largest country.
Vitor Roque has been on Barcelona’s radar since the U20 South American Championships in 2023, where he ended as the competition’s top-scorer. The youngster helped Brazil defeat Uruguay in the final to claim their 12th trophy in the competition. According to SPORT, Cruyff intended to finalise the deal of the forward and prospective heir to Robert Lewandowski. However he is leaving his role on June 30. Hence Deco will take over the process and is optimistic of success.
“The signing of Vitor Roque is in the hands of Deco, who believes Barça can sign him for €30m + variables”, says @gerardromero
Deco, as their man in Brazil, had already been tasked by Barca with initiating an operation that may cost up to €45 million ($48.4 million). According to Gerard Romero, Deco believes he can complete the purchase for €30 million ($32.3 million). Thus it would be a significant success for the financially struggling Blaugrana as they prepare for next season.
Though Barcelona’s vulnerable financial situation, which requires them to cut €200 million ($216 million) from their wage bill to balance Financial Fair Play – works against them. Deco has worked hard to build a strong relationship with Vitor Roque’s camp, which benefits both him and the club. Signing the teenager might be Deco’s first major move in one of the most important behind-the-scenes roles in spanish football.
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