"There were offers" - Deco admits Barcelona rejected bids for star players this summer
Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted that the Catalan giants received bids for a number of star players during the summer transfer window. However, the Blaugrana rejected those bids, with the director now revealing the reasons.
The club notably made signings instead, promoting players from the youth team to the first team, while signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig and Pau Victor from Girona. They sold a few young players, with the likes of Mikayil Faye and Marc Guiu leaving the club.
However, they did not sell any superstars, with Deco telling Barca One (via Barca Universal):
“Within what we had planned, we found the balance. The signing of Olmo gives us that, he is a different profile. Keep Raphinha, who we had. There were offers, but we didn’t want to lose anyone important."
He added:
“Let’s not forget that we have Gavi, Frenkie, who are still recovering, we have Ronald, Christensen. When they come back, the problem will be for the coach because they won’t be able to play all the time. I think that last year we had a shorter squad. This year Hector, Sergi Domínguez can play… they have taken a step forward.”
Later in the interview, he revealed that the players at Barcelona were attractive to other clubs in Europe:
“When we look at the other teams… we have players who are European champions, who the market wants. We could have sold 4-5-6 players or many more. It’s a sign that we have an important squad if the clubs come knocking on your door."
Barcelona seem to have done a solid job in the transfer window, having started the season in brilliant form. They have won four games out of four and currently sit at the top of the La Liga standings, four points ahead of Real Madrid.
Barcelona told to sign Bundesliga talent in final year of contract
Barcelona have been told to make a move for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, who is reportedly interested in a switch to Camp Nou. The versatile midfielder only has a year left on his contract with the Bavarian giants, and he could well be on his way out of Germany next summer.
Now, Bojan Krkic's father, a former scout at the club, has told Barcelona that Kimmich would like to move to Catalonia. Bojan Sr. told Cadena SER during an interview that a reunion with Barca coach Hansi Flick was on Kimmich's mind (via Barca Blaugranes);
“Joshua Kimmich is really looking forward to coming to Barca. The coach plays an important role and Barca has all the numbers to sign good players because of the coach they have, who is recognized, like Hansi Flick."
Barcelona have been linked to Joshua Kimmich in recent months. However, with the midfielder set to be a free agent next summer, they may have to battle Real Madrid for his signature.