Barcelona defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen have both been linked with exits in the summer transfer window.
Araujo could be offloaded to help make room for Joan Garcia and potentially Nico Williams, while Christensen barely played last year due to injury and only has a year left on his contract.
Deco has been quizzed on the situation and made it clear he does not want Araujo to go but did also concede that one defender must leave as they have too many center-backs.
Deco confirmed that one defender must leave as they have too many center-backs
“What we want is to improve the team, not make it worse. And if we lose an important player, we’re making it worse,” he told La Vanguardia.
“Ronald has a contract, he’s renewed his contract, and he’s endured a difficult season, with unfair criticism. He’s one of the best center-backs in the world. Leaving isn’t in Ronald’s plans. He wants to return to his best.
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“We have five central defenders, and one of them has to go due to an excess of players. The coach has to make decisions. As Hansi (Flick) says, ‘decision is job.’ The coach is happy; he’s in a nice vacation spot like Formentera, and we’re on the same page.”
Deco certainly seems keen for Araujo to stay but if an attractive offer arrives for the Uruguay international this summer the club may find it difficult to turn it down.
Lamine has a chance for Ballon D’or
When asked about potential Ballon d’Or contenders, Deco confidently placed Barcelona back in the mix.
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“Lamine has a chance, like Pedri, Dembele or Vitinha. The great thing is to see Barça back in the running for the awards,” he said.
For Deco, the most exciting part is that Barça are once again producing players worthy of the top individual awards in football. Speaking specifically about Lamine Yamal, who is just 17, Deco praised his unique vision on the pitch.
“What geniuses have in common is that they see what others don’t, and Lamine has that.”
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