Deco focusing transfer plans for Barcelona on 2 positions for summer 2026

Barcelona are constantly operating in a state of uncertainty with regard to their transfer plans, given their ongonig salary limit struggles. The Blaugrana will hope that a return to Camp Nou and clarity on their €100m VIP seats lease will go some way to resolving that, but planning for the future must continue regardless.

Clearly their capacity to spend, and indeed register players, will have a decisive impact on those plans, but Director of Football Deco is currently working towards bringing in two positions for the summer of 2026. The Blaugrana, excepting any serious injuries, are unlikely to be active in January.

It is no secret that Barcelona will likely have a Robert Lewandowski-shaped hole in their attack next season. The 37-year-old is out of contract next summer, and the belief is that it will be his last year at the club, with Barcelona reluctant to commit major money to a player turning 38 next August. While Ferran Torres has deputised well there, Lewandowski is the only classic number nine.

As per The Athletic, this is one of Deco’s main focuses for next season, and it is noted that President Joan Laporta is a big fan of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. His eye for goal, work-rate and ability to play across the pitch are all pros in his favour, although his likely price makes any deal difficult.

After a move for Jonathan Tah was not consummated, and Inigo Martinez’s surprise departure, Deco’s next priority is central defence. Sporting CP centre-back and Portugal international Goncalo Inacio is mentioned as a name they like, but it is noted that both a move for players in both positions hinges on circumstance and how the season progresses.

It was almost unanimously reported that Barcelona were looking to sign a right-back until April of this year, as well as a left-winger. While Marcus Rashford has arrived, the club decided after late season form from Eric Garcia to focus their finances on other areas. Similarly, they took the chance to pounce for goalkeeper Joan Garcia somewhat out of the blue, given it was not a move spoken about just two months earlier.