Barcelona director Deco is not keen on letting Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong go to facilitate a transfer of Kylian Mbappé. The Portuguese made this known in an interview with Esport3.
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Kylian Mbappé's potential departure from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer has become a focal point in the football world, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his future.
Amidst this whirlwind of speculation, Real Madrid has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to sign the French prodigy. Their longstanding interest in Mbappé has been well-documented, positioning them as likely candidates to secure his services. However, the saga is far from straightforward, with other heavyweight clubs like Barcelona also lurking in the background, expressing keen interest in adding Mbappé to their ranks.
In light of these developments, Deco, Barcelona's sporting director and a decorated former player, weighed in on the situation. When questioned about the possibility of offloading players such as Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong to make room—both financially and squad-wise—for Mbappé's arrival, Deco's stance was unequivocal. "It would be a mistake to part ways with Araújo and Frenkie de Jong to bring in Mbappé. That wouldn't make the team stronger," he asserted, underlining the importance of maintaining a balanced and cohesive squad. His comments reflect a broader philosophy of team building, suggesting that star power alone does not guarantee success on the pitch.
This discussion occurs against the backdrop of a broader narrative of appreciation and legacy within the club, particularly regarding Xavi Hernández. The former Barcelona midfielder, who has announced his departure from the coaching role at the end of the season, seems to be facing a diminishing sense of appreciation for his contributions. Deco, who shared the locker room with Xavi during their playing days, voiced his support for his former teammate. "It seems like he is no longer appreciated for what he has achieved in the past years. As if winning the league title last season was very ordinary. At this moment, I give him a 10 for how he is doing," Deco said, highlighting the critical yet often overlooked contributions Xavi has made to the club.
The uncertainty surrounding Xavi's successor adds another layer of complexity to Barcelona's current situation. "We haven't spoken to anyone yet. The Xavi era is not over," Deco remarked, indicating that the club is still in a phase of transition and not yet ready to turn the page. With Barcelona positioned third in La Liga and facing crucial matches against Granada in the domestic league and Napoli in the Champions League round of 16, the club finds itself at a crossroads. Decisions made during this period will undoubtedly shape Barcelona's future, both on and off the field.
As the football world watches on, the narratives of Mbappé's potential move, Xavi's legacy, and Barcelona's strategic decisions intertwine to form a compelling saga of ambition, appreciation, and the relentless pursuit of success.
