Ronald Araujo is not yet ready to leave Barcelona. |
Particularly in the defense, where Deco – the club's Sporting Director – is grappling with the problem of an excess of central defenders. Instead of receiving calls from agents of players wanting to leave, he witnessed the "candidates" quietly cutting short their holidays and returning to training early. A simple act, but one that was very assertive.
Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, two central defenders rumored to be on the verge of being sold, have sent the clearest possible message: "I'm not going anywhere." And that's precisely Deco's problem.
Araujo - from Juventus to the dream of wearing the captain's armband.
Ronald Araujo was once one of the names almost certain to leave in January. Juventus expressed interest, and the Uruguayan defender himself was also tempted. But football always has unexpected twists and turns. Inigo Martínez's injury in the Spanish Super Cup and the persuasion of his teammates made Araujo change his mind, stay, and sign a new contract.
However, Deco wasn't easily fooled. He added a "contingency" clause to the contract: allowing Araujo to leave for €60 million within the first two weeks of July. Now it's mid-July, and Araujo is still here. Not only has he returned early, but he's also full of determination, hoping to become the leader of the defense, or even captain if Ter Stegen leaves. Last season, injuries and inconsistent fitness caused the Uruguayan center-back to decline. But this summer, Araujo has had enough time to start over – and he's making the most of it.
Christensen still has a contract with Barcelona until 2026. |
If Araujo is a symbol of determination and emotion, then Christensen embodies composure. Last season, an Achilles tendon injury nearly sidelined him. But instead of complaining, the Danish center-back quietly recovered and quickly returned to training.
Christensen's contract only runs until 2026. With Deco's new personnel policy, players with only one year left on their contracts are no longer prioritized for retention. But Christensen, who has adapted well to life in Barcelona, has told the club straight up that he has no intention of moving elsewhere. Once again, Christensen didn't say much – but he said it clearly.
Eric Garcia's story only complicates Deco's situation further. Once considered "surplus to requirements," the Spanish center-back unexpectedly revived his career at the end of last season.
Hansi Flick put his faith in Garcia during the winter transfer window, and the player did not disappoint. From Lisbon to Milan, from El Clasico to crucial matches, Garcia played his role well, even shining. He can play center back, right back, and even defensive midfielder. From being on the transfer list, Garcia has now become a target for a contract extension.
Deco faced a paradox in Barcelona. |
And now Deco faces a paradox: if he can't sell Araujo or Christensen—who are determined to stay—he might be forced to part ways with Garcia, who fought to stay. Such a decision would not only be controversial, but could also be seen as a failure of personnel management.
Deco – the one who has to make the decision… even though nobody wants to leave.
Deco's situation is far from easy. Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez are untouchable in Hansi Flick's eyes. Garcia is making a strong comeback. Araujo and Christensen are determined to stay. But the squad list isn't unlimited, and the wage bill needs to be cut.
In a situation where no one wants to leave, the one who has to make sacrifices is the one responsible for the arrangements. For Deco, this wasn't just a tactical or financial problem, but a challenge to his managerial vision. Who to keep, who to sell, and most importantly: how to avoid contradicting his own established human resources policies.
The transfer window is still long, but Deco's headache has already begun. And this time, it's not because of a lack of players, but because of… an excess of players. A sad paradox – but also a testament to the fierce competition in Barca's defense.
Source: https://znews.vn/deco-va-mo-roi-trung-ve-o-barcelona-post1568036.html
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