Deco has blocked the sale of 27-year-old Barcelona winger in the summer – report

Given their financial difficulties, FC Barcelona are once again having to take drastic measures to compete in the transfer market.

While there are no sales being considered for January, at least one big exit could be needed in the summer transfer window of 2024 in order to bring in revenue and free up space on the wage bill.

The name of Brazilian winger Raphinha has been doing the rounds as a possible departee, with interest coming from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal as well as the Premier League.

Deco blocks Raphinha exit

However, as per the latest update from SPORT, Barcelona sporting director Deco has blocked the sale of Raphinha in the summer of 2024.

As mentioned earlier, the 27-year-old Brazilian winger has a lot of admirers in the Premier League as well as Saudi Arabia, with clubs being open to spending heavily on his signing.

However, as things stand, Deco does not want to put him on the market and is prioritising other departures.

Furthermore, the former Leeds United winger also does not want to leave the club and with the sporting director on his side, a summer exit for him seems extremely unlikely.

Sacrifices will be made

While Raphinha might have Deco’s backing and remain at the club, the sporting director is prepared to make sacrifices for Barcelona’s benefit.

As such, there will be a sale of at least one centre-back from the club, with reports suggesting that it could be one among Andreas Christensen or Jules Kounde.

There may be other departures too, but for now Raphinha’s sale is not under consideration as things stand.