Deco casts doubt on long-term Barcelona future despite election backing
Barcelona sporting director Deco has cast doubt on his long-term future at the club, despite the recent re-election of president Joan Laporta. In an interview with GE.com, the Portuguese director admitted he does not know if he will remain at the club for the duration of Laporta's new five-year term.
Deco, who was appointed to his role in 2023, has the backing of both Laporta and head coach Hansi Flick. He is currently tasked with a crucial summer transfer window, with a top-level central defender and striker among the club's priorities. The club is also expected to decide on the future of loanees Joao Cancelo and Marcus Rashford, with potential moves for a full-back and a left winger also on the agenda.
In a recent interview, Deco reflected on his work so far, stating that the team has been "consolidating as a competitive team" and is now positioned to challenge for major honors. However, he was less certain about his own future. "It’s very difficult to make long-term plans like that," Deco said, referencing the five-year term Laporta won in the recent election. "Today we are happy in Barcelona. We probably have a five-year mandate. I don't know if I'll stay with Laporta for five years because I have to work well every year for things to continue."
Deco acknowledged the recent pressure of the presidential election, a period he described as "complex," but expressed satisfaction that the club's sporting project was able to continue unaffected. He emphasized that the primary goal has been to rebuild a team capable of competing with the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, as well as Europe's elite, despite financial constraints.
His comments suggest that, despite the security of a fresh five-year mandate for the president, Deco views his own position as being evaluated on an annual basis. His future, he implies, is contingent on continued strong performance, with family considerations also playing a key role in any long-term decision. The sporting director's immediate focus, however, remains on executing a successful transfer window to meet the club's ambitious targets for the upcoming season.
