FC Barcelona sporting director Deco gave an extensive interview on Cadena SER’s Que t’hi jugues programme earlier today.
During the chat, the former midfielder spoke at length on various topics, including the team’s recent win over Atletico Madrid, their form, and the potential return of Lionel Messi to Barça as a player.
Deco does not rule out Ter Stegen’s January exit
Another important matter that Deco addressed during the interview was the future of Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a departure in January, given that he is no longer the No. 1 at the club.
Deco was coy on the matter, suggesting that Ter Stegen’s current focus is on recovering full fitness, but did not rule out the possibility of a January departure for the veteran.
“With Ter Stegen, the first priority is his recovery. He’s a player under contract with us, and what he needs is to be available. From there, the coach’s decisions are what matter,” said Deco, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
At the same time, he left open the possibility that Ter Stegen could remain as the third-choice goalkeeper until the end of the season because “when we signed Joan, we knew he had both a present and a future.”
Asked whether he would facilitate a move for Ter Stegen if the captain requested it in order to play in the World Cup, Deco said, “First we have to understand the context,” before adding that when the German goalkeeper is available, “he will surely look for his options to play.”
No winter arrivals
Regarding the January transfer window, Deco stated that Barcelona are not considering signing any players in the upcoming winter market because they are satisfied with the quality of the current squad and expect the team to improve as the injured players return.
“When we think about the squad we have, the first thing was contract renewals. It’s not just for this season. We need stability for the future. Despite some players having been at the club for a few years, this team was built last season,” he said.
Further explaining the team’s transfer strategy: “The idea was to consolidate this team for the coming years. To date, we’ve suffered quite a bit with injuries, and that has affected us.
“Looking ahead to the January transfer window, it’s very difficult for things to work well. It’s true that this has happened at times at Barça, like with Davids, who was key to the recovery, and then with Aubameyang, who helped a lot.
“Now we’re not in the same situation as the team was back then. In January, it’s very difficult to find players like Auba. I remember he was at odds with Arsenal and was available. I don’t think we need anyone with the squad we have,” he concluded.
