Football never stops. Behind the scenes, sporting directors across Europe are already shaping the future, identifying weaknesses, and targeting potential signings. At FC Barcelona, Deco is leading that process with a clear vision. The sporting director has built remarkable squad stability by renewing nearly all of the team’s young stars, giving the club short and medium-term peace of mind. However, next summer will demand bold adjustments to take the team to another level.
By early October, the club has already defined its priorities. Scouting has started, contacts are being made, and firm decisions will follow as soon as the January window opens. Between now and the end of the winter market, things could still change, but Barça’s needs are crystal clear: a left-footed center-back with upside, a powerful full-back, and most importantly, a world-class striker who could become the club’s new icon during an election year.
A New Defender After Iñigo Martínez’s Departure
Defensive concerns have resurfaced this season, especially after Iñigo Martínez’s unexpected free transfer to Saudi Arabia. His exit has weakened the back line, and there is quiet concern within the club. Right now, Barcelona have four central defenders, which should be enough on paper, but the profile of a left-footed player with international experience is missing.
Names such as Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund and Gonçalo Inácio from Sporting CP have already been discussed internally. Both players fit the desired mold: experienced, technically sound, and with contracts running until 2027. They could become realistic targets once the summer market opens.
A Dynamic Full-Back to Strengthen the Wings
Coach Hansi Flick has repeatedly pointed out the need for a more explosive full-back to stretch the field and match the intensity of Europe’s top clubs. Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé are reliable options, but the manager believes Barça lack that extra spark compared to continental rivals.
Matches like the one against PSG served as a wake-up call. The French side dominated both wings in the second half, exposing Barcelona’s defensive limitations, just as Inter Milan did in last season’s Champions League. Reinforcing this position will not be easy, since most top full-backs are already locked into major clubs with no clear path to transfer.
The Big Challenge: Finding Lewandowski’s Successor
The striker position is Deco’s biggest challenge. All signs suggest that Robert Lewandowski is nearing the end of his four-year spell in Barcelona. Even if he stays, his role will gradually become secondary. The club is preparing for a massive transition up front and cannot afford to miss the mark.
Barça are thinking big. Names like Erling Haaland, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez are being monitored, though each presents financial and sporting complications. Landing a “number nine” of that caliber would likely require a major sale to generate funds. Otherwise, it will be impossible. Deco knows that this signing could define the next presidential era and set the tone for Barça’s next chapter.
A Summer of Decisions Awaits
Deco and Flick share a vision built on renewal and balance. Barça’s 2026 project will focus on blending youth with experience, speed with structure, and ambition with financial realism. The club’s next great team is already being sketched out.
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