Overview
- Deco disclosed Thursday that Barcelona kept most summer negotiations within a tight working group to limit leaks and protect bargaining leverage.
- He said the club formally offered €100 million for Julián Álvarez, structured over three seasons, but Atlético did not accept the approach and Barcelona denies it pressured the player.
- Barcelona chose Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford because Gordon’s high‑intensity style matched Hansi Flick’s demands, and the club paid roughly €69–70 million rather than trigger Rashford’s lower buy option.
- Deco explained the Rodri signing came after unexpected signals that Manchester City might allow him to leave, saying he checked the situation with City’s sporting director and that medical details are private.
- The club points to Gordon’s quick creative output and Barcelona’s explosive early-season goal tally as early validation of the strategy and the emphasis on tactical fit over marquee names.