Barcelona’s Deco Explains Decision to Pass on Estevao Signing

FC Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has clarified the club’s decision to forgo signing Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, despite his impressive rise at Palmeiras. Estevao, considered one of the most promising young talents in football, had been closely monitored by Barcelona, which received positive reports on his development. Ultimately, the club opted not to pursue him, allowing Chelsea to secure his services in 2024 for a fixed fee of €34 million, with an additional €23 million tied to performance-based incentives.

Deco explained that the decision was influenced by the current composition of the squad and the club’s priorities. He noted that Barcelona already has Lamine Yamal, a teenage sensation who shares similar attributes with Estevao. “There are several reasons. First, in the construction phase we are in, we have a player for the same position with similar characteristics named Lamine Yamal. It’s obvious,” Deco stated.

While acknowledging that elite players can adapt to play alongside one another, Deco emphasized that the club’s immediate focus was not on reinforcing that particular position. He articulated the financial implications of their choices, stating, “If you have money to spend and you invest it in a player with the same characteristics, then you can’t complain that you don’t have enough players for other positions.”

Deco also dismissed any notion that the decision reflected doubts regarding Estevao’s talent. He clarified that it was primarily a matter of timing and Barcelona’s current situation. “It’s a question of timing and Barcelona’s current situation, which meant they had to make other decisions, and this wasn’t one of them,” he explained.

Tactical considerations further influenced the decision. Deco suggested that the outcome might have been different had Estevao’s profile varied. “Perhaps if Estevao were a right-footed player who played on the other side, the solution would be there, but that was not the case. He is a player very similar to Lamine, although with different characteristics,” he added.

In conclusion, Deco reinforced that the decision was based on maintaining balance within the squad rather than questioning the players’ abilities. “He and Lamine are two great players, but at that moment, that wasn’t the decision. It has nothing to do with quality, but rather with Barça’s need to strengthen the team at that moment,” he stated.

As FC Barcelona navigates its strategic objectives, the decision to pass on Estevao highlights the complexities involved in squad management and financial planning in top-tier football.