Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has shed light on the club’s transfer strategy during the summer window, explaining why certain decisions were made and the reasons behind their key signing.
🚨🇪🇸 Barça director Deco: “We have signed Dani Olmo as he is the midfielder we didn't have”.
“There was a lot of quality, but Dani was a player we lacked”.
“Dani gives us this hunger to win. Barça has always been a mix of home players and hungry footballers”. pic.twitter.com/vSUgpKWyE6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2024
Deco addressed why the club did not pursue Nico Williams, despite making their interest in the Athletic Bilbao winger public. “We didn’t sign Nico Williams as we have Raphinha, Ferran, Ansu, Lamine, plus Fermin and Olmo to help there” he explained.
A key acquisition for Barcelona was Dani Olmo, who Deco identified as a missing piece in the team’s midfield. “We have signed Dani Olmo as he is the midfielder we didn’t have” the former playmaker stated. “There was a lot of quality, but Dani was a player we lacked. Dani gives us this hunger to win. Barca has always been a mix of home players and hungry footballers.”
Deco also highlighted the club’s efforts to retain key players, despite offers coming in during the window. “We wanted to keep Raphinha as well as other players” he said. “There were offers, but we didn’t want to lose anyone important. We had to increase the level, not lower it. We couldn’t fall into the temptation to sell.”