Barcelona’s director Deco is preparing for a summer of drastic decisions at the Camp Nou. With financial limitations forcing the club to think strategically, Deco is reportedly listening to offers for as many as eight first-team players — and one of the names on that list is a startling surprise. While new signings are on the agenda, they will only be possible if room is made both in the squad and on the wage bill.
According to a report by Sport, the Blaugrana’s summer strategy is clear: no player is guaranteed safety from the market except for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The club is committed to restructuring under new head coach Hansi Flick, and Deco is tasked with finding the financial flexibility to refresh the squad.
“The club is ready to make tough decisions in order to improve the squad, even if it means selling players once seen as untouchable,” the report explains.
The move comes as Barcelona continues to battle against La Liga’s strict salary cap, which severely limits their ability to bring in new talent. Deco has made it clear that strengthening the squad depends entirely on generating funds through sales. With that in mind, a long list of departures is now on the table, whether through direct sales or strategic exits.
Surprise names among the transfer candidates
Among the players Deco is said to be open to selling are:
- Inaki Peña
- Ronald Araujo
- Hector Fort
- Fermín Lopez
- Gavi
- Frenkie de Jong (without a renewal)
- Pablo Torre
- Pau Victor
- Ansu Fati
The inclusion of Gavi and Ronald Araujo in particular comes as a shock. Just a year ago, these were players many considered part of Barcelona’s untouchable core. But the realities of the club’s financial crisis, combined with lucrative interest from abroad — particularly Saudi Arabia — mean even key figures are no longer immune.
Deco’s plan is not to stage a fire sale, but rather to remain flexible in negotiations. “Barca’s plan is not to throw these players onto the market, but to remain open to negotiations,” adds Sport. If a strong offer arrives and a player is not central to Flick’s tactical setup, the club will consider parting ways.
Decisions already underway
Some of the decisions appear close to final. Inaki Peña is expected to leave, especially after being displaced by Wojciech Szczesny, whose future also remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Ansu Fati and Pau Victor are said to be seeking new challenges and are likely to exit the club in the coming weeks.
The future of Frenkie de Jong remains a particularly crucial issue. Barcelona are said to be making better progress on his contract renewal than with others, but if an agreement is not reached soon, the club could opt to sell him rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the near future.
