Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, has condemned the exclusion of two club players from the Ballon d'Or's 30-man shortlist as a "scandal," signalling his frustration with the prestigious award's voting process. The outspoken executive also revealed why Barcelona rejected the opportunity to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City last summer, before the Portugal midfielder eventually joined Real Madrid.
Speaking to radio station RAC 1, Deco expressed satisfaction with Barcelona's strong campaign under Hansi Flick, praising both the team's attacking output and the quality of daily training sessions. "I knew we would start well based on what we had seen. Scoring at this rate is special, but what truly excites me is the daily work—when training sessions show such a level and the team has this confidence, even the matches surprise us positively," he explained. The club has made a marked improvement from last season, particularly in goal-scoring, with Deco crediting the addition of physical, energetic players who complement technical excellence.
Why Barcelona Passed on Bernardo Silva
Deco clarified Barcelona's decision to overlook Bernardo Silva despite receiving indications the player wanted to join the club. "Bernardo is a world-class talent, one of the best in recent years, but his position didn't match our tactical specifications," the sporting director stated. Financial constraints also played a role. "We received signals he wanted to come, which would have strengthened us, but it didn't fit our economic criteria," Deco said. "We don't promise players they'll be starters. We give the coach the tools he needs, and if a player wants guarantees elsewhere, we respect that decision."
Barcelona's recruitment strategy instead focused on acquiring players with strength and sharpness alongside technical quality—a lesson learned after injuries to key figures like Raphinha exposed gaps in the squad last season. Anthony Gordon became the primary target, with Flick viewing him as an ideal fit, and the deal was completed once financial terms aligned. This approach contrasts sharply with the approach that would have seen Silva arrive, highlighting Barcelona's commitment to building a team constructed specifically for their coach's vision rather than pursuing marquee names.
With Barcelona sitting atop La Liga and Europe's elite clubs watching closely, Deco's willingness to reject established stars in favour of squad balance suggests the club has learned from its recent struggles and is building sustainable success under Flick's direction.
