Six major challenges for Deco as Barcelona’s new sporting director – report

Earlier this week, Barcelona confirmed what was already well known as they officially appointed Deco as the club’s new sporting director.

What came as a surprise was that the Blaugrana also confirmed that Mateu Alemany will be vacating his post as the Director of Football once the transfer window closes.

The restructuring points at Deco having full power on matters regarding transfers and contracts at Barcelona moving forward.

And, as such, the 45-year-old former Portuguese international will have a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders moving forward.

With Deco now taking over in full capacity, Mundo Deportivo lists out the six biggest challenges that Barcelona’s new sporting director has to take on in the short and the long terms.

1. A new right-back

A top priority at this point and a huge challenge for Deco is to find a new right-back for Xavi and Barcelona before the transfer window closes.

The position has been a problematic one for Barcelona since Dani Alves’ departure and needs to be addressed at the earliest.

Talks are underway to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City (on loan) while Deco likes Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda as a long-term bet.

2. A creative interior

Another of manager Xavi’s request before the transfer window closes is for the club to sign a creative midfielder. The manager wishes to add another interior midfielder to his ranks to avoid overburdening Pedri.

Bernardo Silva has been Xavi and Barça’s dream target, but signing him from Man City is out of the question at this point. As such, Deco must find a suitable alternative who fits the requirements and is viable financially.

3. Top midfielder to replace Busquets

Barcelona lost one of their greatest ever players in Sergio Busquets this summer, with the veteran midfielder opting to leave for Inter Miami. It left a huge void in the team, which the club filled with Oriol Romeu.

The Catalans had more ambitious targets on their agenda, such as Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi, but had to settle for Romeu due to the club’s financial situation.

The Spaniard has started off well at his boyhood club, but it’s hardly a long term solution. And, as such, Deco must start working on finding a top-quality long-term heir to Busquets’ throne.

4. Downward renewals

One of the biggest factors holding Barça back in the transfer market is the club’s Financial Fair Play situation and their bloated wage bill. While efforts have been made to trim the salary mass, they must continue to find ways to keep it in check for the coming seasons as well, without compromising their transfer plans.

As such, it becomes important for Deco to negotiate new contracts with reduced salaries for two of the club’s highest-paid players in Frenkie de Jong and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Both players signed lucrative long-term contracts back in 2020 which are proving to be a burden on the club and Deco must find a way to negotiate a salary reduction with the pair.

5. Attract more young talent

In the short time Deco has been at the club, it has been seen that the former midfielder places a lot of emphasis on signing young talent with potential and that must continue moving forward.

The sporting director has already secured the signings of Vitor Roque, Mikayil Faye, and Noah Darvich for starters already this summer and even made a strong play for Arda Guler while he is also pushing to sign Ivan Fresneda.

More of the same will be expected from Deco in the transfer windows to come.

6. Define an organisation chart

With Deco taking over as sporting director and Mateu Alemany soon set to leave, there is a major restructuring set to take place at Barcelona.

And it will be up to Deco and other key stakeholders such as vice-president Rafa Yuste to lay down a proper structure and organisation plan as far as the club’s recruitment and sporting department is concerned for the years to come.