Both Deco and coach Hansi Flick are currently dedicating their full attention to preparations for the next football season. This weekend’s fixture against Athletic Bilbao will bring to a close a remarkable year for Barcelona, one in which the club’s performance far surpassed initial expectations.
The team captured a domestic treble, lifting the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the La Liga title. Additionally, Barcelona made it to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in a decade, revitalizing both the club’s ambitions and the excitement of its supporters.
Looking ahead, the management is determined to build on this successful momentum. Plans are already in motion to refresh the squad by parting ways with players who have underperformed, creating room for fresh signings during the upcoming summer transfer window. Hansi Flick has reportedly presented Deco with a list of four high-quality players to target.
One of the club’s pressing concerns is the goalkeeper position. With Wojciech Szczesny declining a contract extension and Iñaki Peña expected to leave, Barcelona is actively searching for reinforcements. Furthermore, worries about Marc-André ter Stegen’s age and ongoing recovery from a serious injury have prompted the club to consider potential successors.
Espanyol’s Juan García has emerged as a leading option, but other candidates such as Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan are also on the radar.
In defense, acquiring a new center-back is a priority. Flick is prepared for the possible exit of Ronald Araújo, hoping to secure a sizeable transfer fee from his sale. With Andreas Christensen’s contract approaching its final year, he too might be allowed to depart. As Jonathan Tah appears close to joining Bayern Munich, Ajax’s young defender Jorrel Hato has attracted interest due to his versatility, youth, and reasonable market value.
At right-back, although Eric García has shown promise, the club seeks a natural fit for the role. Vanderson and Andrei Rațiu have both been identified as potential additions to strengthen the position.
In attack, Barcelona’s leadership, particularly Joan Laporta and Deco, is eager to bring in a new striker, especially with veteran Robert Lewandowski’s performance expected to decline.
Julián Álvarez is the club’s top target, following his impressive displays with Atlético Madrid. However, the club remains open to other options, including Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres.
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