Deco reveals he gave up commissions to help Raphinha join Barcelona: “An effort I made”

Deco was named the sporting director at FC Barcelona during the summer and is one of the most influential members of the Catalan club’s administration.

Not too long ago, however, he was one of the top agents in the world, especially with players from Brazil.

It thus does not come as a surprise that Deco was the agent of now-Barcelona star Raphinha. In fact, he played a critical role in the former Leeds United star’s move to Catalonia back in 2022, at a time when he was being pursued by other top clubs.

In a recent interview with FourFourTwo magazine (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Deco outlined the practical difficulties he faced with Raphinha’s move to Barcelona, especially given the Blaugranas’ precarious economic situation.

The current sporting director at Barcelona even went on to explain how he gave up his commission to as to ensure the player signed for Barcelona and not Chelsea.

“I gave up getting paid because I thought Raphinha deserved to be happy where he dreamed of playing. I wanted to go to Barcelona and Barça didn’t match Chelsea’s figures. It was an effort I made so that the player could be here.”

Deco was Raphinha’s agent in 2022. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Commenting on the drama around the winger’s transfer, the Sporting Director explained how Leeds United went back on their word and negotiated with Chelsea despite having agreed on a deal with Barcelona.

“After the club managed to avoid relegation, largely thanks to the contribution of Raphinha, among other players, of course, the president changed his position for Chelsea’s offer.”

“The owner of Leeds had promised, in a desperate moment for Leeds, to sell Raphinha to Barcelona for a certain amount,” he added.

Continuing on the same theme, Deco outlined that had Leeds stuck to their word after Raphinha saved them from relegation, Barcelona could have signed him for far less than the eventual €60 million they shelled out for him.

“He had a clause according to which, if they went down, his price would go down to €20 million, and he was the best player when Leeds needed it most: he ran more, worked harder and I, as his agent, would be unable to influence any player for my own benefit.”

Since joining the club in 2022, Raphinha has played 74 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and assisting 20 more. He was on target this past weekend against Getafe and will be aiming to reclaim his starting spot from Lamine Yamal.