Deco ‘obsessed’ with signing a pivot at Barcelona, failed with approach for French ace

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is fixated on bolstering the team’s midfield with a strong, physically dominant pivot player, and a report from SPORT has confirmed that he has been actively seeking to sign such a player, even attempting to bring in Youssouf Fofana. 

However, AC Milan had already secured Fofana’s services, leaving Barça to continue their search.

Barcelona have grown accustomed to last-minute transfer window drama, where the club’s tight financial situation forces them to make strategic decisions. 

They often find themselves waiting until the final days of August to make key signings, as they need to offload players to create space in the squad and budget. 

Despite the public statements from Hansi Flick, expressing satisfaction with the current midfield lineup and dismissing the need for additional reinforcements, the reality behind the scenes is quite different. 

The sporting management, led by Deco, remains determined to add more muscle to the midfield.

A lot is happening at Barcelona

Deco is keen on signing a pivot for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The potential departure of Ilkay Gundogan could open the door for Barça to sign a player whose profile is currently missing from the squad. 

Deco has been vocal about the need for a powerful, dynamic midfielder who can provide balance to the team. Despite his efforts, securing such a player has proven challenging. 

He recently tried to swoop in on Fofana, who was on the verge of signing for Milan, but Monaco informed him that the deal was already closed. 

Fofana’s profile was exactly what Barça needed, but the club’s lack of funds and the timing of the deal meant there was nothing they could do to change the outcome.

It must be noted that Deco also spent considerable time trying to sign Amadou Onana from Everton.

Onana was the pivot player who best fit Deco’s vision for the team. Barcelona even proposed a €40 million deal in instalments, but Everton rejected the offer outright.

Meanwhile, Deco also explored the possibility of signing Mikel Merino. The deal could have materialised if Barcelona had more flexibility with their salary cap, but Merino grew tired of waiting and is now expected to join Arsenal.