Deco explains secretive recruitment of Anthony Gordon and Rodri to Barcelona

Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed that the club maintained a closed recruitment process to secure the signings of Anthony Gordon and Rodri this summer. The executive cited concerns that excessive media speculation complicates negotiations and inflates terms, noting that the club aimed to avoid public leaks. According to Deco, Gordon was targeted to bolster the team's intensity levels following the departure of Raphinha, while the pursuit of Rodri began only after the club received confirmation that Manchester City would allow his transfer. Despite external criticism regarding the absence of a traditional number nine following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Deco stated that the current squad possesses sufficient attacking flexibility. Barcelona has opened the season with five consecutive victories, totaling 22 goals across those matches.

• 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Deco reveals why Barcelona kept Anthony Gordon and Rodri transfers secret: ‘Some things that aren’t worth explaining’