Deco opens up on Barcelona’s pursuit of Neymar: “It was never a possibility”

Barcelona have undertaken a structural change in the hierarchy, as the club officially confirmed Mateu Alemany’s departure in September while naming Deco as the new sporting director.

Even though the Portuguese had already been involved with Barcelona since the beginning of the summer transfer window, he is now presented with an official rank.

Speaking to GE Globo (h/t Mundo Deportivo) Deco gave an insight into the club’s stance on the Neymar operation, which failed to materialize.

Difficulties signing Neymar

Neymar completed his move to Al Hilal earlier this week, but before the transfer came to fruition, rumours of him potentially joining the Catalan outfit spread like wildfire.

It was reported that sections of the Barcelona board were heavily in favour of bringing back the Brazilian, and Neymar himself was keen to make the move after regretting his decision to leave in 2017.

Now, Deco has opened up about the difficulties that the club encountered while pursuing his signature.

“Everyone knows that at this moment, unfortunately, with our financial situation, it was impossible to make such a signing. We needed an understanding with PSG or a settlement with the Saudi Arabians, something that didn’t happen,” Deco said.

“It was a situation that needed to be economically viable for us, but it was never a possibility because of the club’s economic situation.”

Barcelona’s dire financial state has already forced them to make considerable concessions and place a great many existing players on the market.

As such, arguments that the club could not afford Neymar’s wages or find an agreement with PSG do not come across as a surprise.

There were also reports that the Saudi Arabians would be willing to loan Neymar to Barça for a certain period, but despite Neymar’s interest in completing his homecoming, that possibility was ruled out.