The summer transfer window is beginning to take shape for FC Barcelona, but not without complications. With preseason camp set to start on July 13, sporting director Deco faces a delicate balancing act. The club currently has five central defenders on the roster, more than the German coach wants, yet none of them are willing to leave.
Deco recently made it clear that one of them must go, but what seemed like a routine squad adjustment has now turned into a genuine conundrum, as per a recent report from Diario AS.
Two of the defenders under the spotlight, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, have returned to training early, a clear signal of their intent to stay. While their commitment is commendable, it has complicated Deco’s planning and created a logistical headache.
Araujo’s U-Turn and Contract Clause Pass Unused
Ronald Araujo was expected to be the first to exit this summer. In January, the Uruguayan had been open to a move to Juventus, frustrated with his role and game time. However, an untimely injury to Iñigo Martínez and strong persuasion from teammates changed his mind. He stayed, signed a contract extension, but with a twist.
Deco included a €60 million release clause valid only for the first two weeks of July, giving Araujo a window to reconsider. That window is now about to close, and the center-back has made his choice: he’s staying. He returned to the Ciutat Esportiva this Wednesday, cutting short his vacation to be among the first back on the training pitch.
His motivation appears clear — Araujo sees a path to leadership at Barcelona. With Marc-André ter Stegen’s future uncertain, the 26-year-old sees an opportunity to claim the captain’s armband. More importantly, he’s determined to get back to his best form — something he believes he can achieve with a full preseason under Flick, unlike last year.
Christensen Settled, Eric Garcia Reborn
Andreas Christensen has taken a similarly proactive approach. Having spent much of last season sidelined with a lingering Achilles tendon injury, the Danish defender is eager to return to full fitness and fight for his place. His contract runs until 2026, and he’s made it clear to the club that he’s happy in Barcelona and not considering a move.
While Flick sees value in Christensen, Deco is reportedly concerned about the Dane’s situation heading into the final year of his contract. Yet Christensen’s early return to training and firm stance further complicate the situation.
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia has emerged as a surprise factor in this equation. Flick personally intervened to keep the 24-year-old Spanish defender at the club during the winter transfer window, and the young defender responded with impressive versatility, covering at center-back, right-back, and even as a defensive midfielder.
Garcia ended the season with key performances and goals in crucial fixtures against Benfica, AC Milan, and Real Madrid. Now seen as a player with renewed value and future potential, Garcia has become a priority for contract renewal, not a candidate for sale.
With Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez considered untouchable by the German coach, Deco is left with little room to maneuver. Offloading Garcia, arguably the club’s most versatile defender, simply because others refuse to leave, would reflect poorly on Deco’s squad planning.
And so, the dilemma deepens. With loyalty from players clashing against structural limits, Barcelona’s center-back puzzle remains unsolved — and Deco, for now, has no easy answers.
