Deco shifts strategy as Barcelona sporting director

Three years after his appointment on 16 August 2023, Deco has reshaped Barcelona’s football operations by emphasizing internal alignment and discreet recruitment. Rather than relying solely on data-driven models, the former player favors an instinctive approach to squad building that prioritizes dressing room chemistry and personality. This shift in methodology coincided with a quiet transfer window in 2026, where the club managed to conduct negotiations with minimal media exposure. Beyond recruitment, the sporting director has focused on long-term stability through contract renewals for core players including Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. The focus remains on maintaining a balanced squad that integrates experienced leaders with emerging talent to sustain continuity within the team structure.

• 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Three years of Deco: How Barcelona’s accidental sporting director quietly changed the club