Barcelona director keeps the door open for a January exit of the captain, while ruling out winter signings
FC Barcelona’s sporting director Deco spoke at length on Cadena SER’s Que t’hi jugues program earlier today, covering a range of topics from the recent victory over Atletico Madrid and the team’s current form to the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barça as a player.
Deco did not completely dismiss the idea of Marc-Andre ter Stegen leaving in January
A key topic in the interview was the future of Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen. At 33, the goalkeeper has been the subject of strong exit rumors in January, with questions about whether he remains the club’s No. 1.
Deco offered a cautious response, emphasizing that Ter Stegen’s immediate priority is regaining full fitness, and he did not outright close the door on a January departure. “With Ter Stegen, the first priority is his recovery. He’s a player under contract with us, and what he needs is to be available. From there, the coach’s decisions are what matter,” Deco told Mundo Deportivo.
He also hinted that Ter Stegen could stay on as the third-choice keeper through the season, noting that when Joan signed, the plan was to secure both present and future value for the position.
When asked if a move would be facilitated if the captain requested it to pursue World Cup opportunities, Deco stressed the need to consider the broader context. He added that once German goalkeeper is available, “he will surely look for his options to play.”
No winter arrivals
On the January transfer window, Deco stated that Barcelona are not planning to sign any players in the upcoming winter market. He explained that the club is satisfied with the current squad’s quality and expects injuries to heal, boosting performance.
“Our initial focus was on contract renewals. It’s not just for this season; stability for the future is essential. Although several players have been at the club for years, this team was built last season,” he said.
He further outlined the broader transfer strategy:
- The aim has been to consolidate the squad for the coming years. Injuries have disrupted the team, complicating plans.
- Looking ahead to January, it’s challenging to add players mid-season. He compared past situations, noting that in some instances Barça benefited from mid-season acquisitions like Aubameyang, while acknowledging that those kinds of opportunities don’t always arise.
“Now we’re not in the same situation as before. In January, it’s very difficult to find players like Aubameyang who were available, had been in at odds with their clubs, and could be brought in. I don’t think we need anyone with the squad we have,” he concluded.
Overall, Deco stressed a long-term, stability-focused approach for Barcelona’s squad, avoiding hasty winter signings while remaining open to player movement if circumstances change.
Would Barcelona consider revisiting a January move for Ter Stegen if his situation or the team’s needs shift significantly, or does the current plan prioritize development and continuity for the rest of the season? If you have thoughts, share them in the comments.
