PSG’s Champions League glory could have been Barcelona’s if Deco’s vision was followed

Barcelona’s incredible resurgence under Hansi Flick, culminating in a domestic treble in the 2024/25 season, has rightly earned widespread praise. 

Much of the credit has gone to the players and their new manager, but behind the scenes, one figure’s quiet work continues to shape the foundation of this success – Deco, the club’s sporting director.

It os easy to get lost in the glitz of silverware and tactical brilliance, but SPORT’s latest revelation sheds light on how Barcelona’s current trajectory might have followed a very different path, one that Deco had originally planned. 

What’s the story?

When the decision was made to part ways with Xavi, Deco had only two names on his shortlist for the job: Luis Enrique and Rafa Marquez. 

Deco believed Enrique was the ideal candidate to extract the most from Barça’s promising young core. His impressive history with the club and flair for managing youth talents made him Deco’s preferred choice.

Barcelona did make attempts to lure Enrique back, but the timing was not favourable. The former Barça manager had just finished his first season with PSG and was not prepared to walk away. 

In hindsight, Enrique’s continued brilliance was clear for all to see as he went on to guide PSG to a continental treble, adding a second to his managerial record. It is a development that quietly validates Deco’s initial judgment.

Desire Doue’s case

Deco’s eye for talent has also stood out in other areas. While all eyes were fixed on Nico Williams last summer, Deco had Desire Doue high on his radar. 

Barcelona had an interest, but financial restrictions imposed by La Liga and PSG’s swift manoeuvres left them powerless. 

Luis Campos, the sporting mastermind behind PSG’s recruitment strategy, ultimately sealed Doue’s signing, but not without Deco having first identified the talent.

Interestingly, Deco had long advocated for Campos even before joining Barcelona’s internal structure. 

During Joan Laporta’s presidential campaign, Deco, then still a football agent, urged Laporta to appoint Campos, believing him to be the ideal figure to unearth talent amid a looming financial crisis. 

Laporta opted for Mateu Alemany instead, and he was later replaced by Deco himself.