Deco insists Barcelona will not sign new players in January: “Regardless of fair play…”

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has confirmed that the club will not make any new additions to the squad during the January transfer market regardless of what happens with a certain Vitor Roque.

While on papers, Barcelona’s acquisition of Roque is only scheduled for the summer of 2024, but the team from Catalonia is largely anticipated to prepone his arrival in January.

This particular movement is proving to be quite tricky at the moment given Barcelona’s troubles with finances, but they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit.

“When the squad was drawn up, it was intended for the entire year. And that idea has not changed nor will it change regardless of fair play. I don’t think we can make any move in January regardless of what happens with Roque,” Deco confirmed in an interview with SPORT.

Deco’s assessment of Roque

It’s no secret that Barcelona were somewhat pessimistic about the arrival of Roque in January earlier, but the sporting director now seems pretty positive about the Brazilian’s early acquisition.

“There were some changes in La Liga and we have to see it. We have people in the club, financiers, people from La Liga, people who interpret the regulations depending on our situation. We will meet with all this and see how we can face this,” he said.

To some extent, Roque remains largely unfamiliar to many Barça supporters, as glimpses of the Brazilian have been limited to just a few clips circulating on social media. While assessing his style of play, Deco added,

“He is a kid who has a goal. And that is very difficult to find. All clubs are looking for a goal. He is young and has important forward movements. 

“He looks for space a lot, he presses, he moves very well behind the centre backs. He can be a great player in world football,” he added.

“Vitor [Roque] is not a bet of mine. He is a bet of the club. The scouting department also gave its approval, he is a bet of the president, who also listened to my opinion, and also a bet of Xavi. Roque wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Xavi’s approval.”

Roque and Lewandowski – perfect recipe

Upon Roque’s arrival in Barcelona, it will be evident that he will be joining forces in the locker room with none other than Robert Lewandowski and while Lewandowski stands as Barcelona’s present, Roque is poised to become the club’s future. 

Embracing this opportunity for growth, Roque recognizes the importance of absorbing knowledge from a goal-scoring reference of Lewandowski’s calibre.

“If I were Vitor Roque I would like to have a Lewandowski, of course. As a footballer I would have liked to play with Robert. 

“You always like to play with the good guys. I think Vitor would love to have the best players at his side and “We know that ‘Lewy’ is one of the best in the world. He has made history and is still making history,” Deco added.