Deco reconsiders his recruitment strategy

Barcelona does not plan to incorporate another center forward in the winter market, and Deco is studying to maintain the offensive strategy of Hansi Flick, with Raphinha as the reference in attack and Gabriel Jesus as an alternative. The decision comes after the Brazilian has provided good numbers since his arrival from Arsenal, although his participation remains limited.

The sporting planning of Barcelona has changed from the start of the season. The departure of Robert Lewandowski forced the club to look for a replacement, and the first target was Julián Álvarez, but Atlético de Madrid's refusal ultimately led to the signing of Gabriel Jesus.

Now, the scenario is different. Raphinha has assumed the role of center forward, and his performance has convinced the sporting direction. For this reason, Deco does not consider it a priority to make another signing for that position during the upcoming winter market.

Deco changes Barcelona's plan: Raphinha gains weight as a forward

The conversion of Raphinha has been one of the factors that most influenced the change in strategy. The Brazilian, who usually played as a winger or attacking midfielder, has found a new position in the center of attack under Flick's orders.

Deco acknowledged in September that the sporting direction had talked with the German coach about the possibility of using the Brazilian as a center forward. The response has exceeded the club's initial expectations: Raphinha has scored 19 goals in his first 14 matches this season.

The sporting director also explained that the player is comfortable in that position. His ability to attack spaces and move among the center-backs allows Barcelona to use a system without a conventional number nine.

This situation reduces the urgency to make a new signing. The priority is no longer necessarily to incorporate a starting forward, but to take advantage of the alternatives that Flick has in the squad.

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Gabriel Jesus, the signing that needs more minutes

The situation of Gabriel Jesus introduces another element into the debate. The Brazilian, at 29 years, arrived from Arsenal during the summer of 2026 and signed a contract with Barcelona until June 2029.

His numbers reflect a particular situation: he has 6 goals and 2 assists in 16 matches, but has only played 461 minutes and has been a starter in three occasions. These statistics show that he has taken advantage of some of his opportunities, although he still does not have continuity.

Flick thus has a forward who can offer different characteristics than Raphinha. Jesus has experience as an offensive reference, the ability to associate, and mobility within the area, qualities that Deco already highlighted when explaining the reasons for his signing.

The problem is that keeping the Brazilian with such limited participation could force the club to rethink its planning later. If Raphinha continues to occupy the number nine position, Jesus will have to compete for minutes from a secondary role.

For now, Deco does not seem willing to rush into another move. Barcelona will face the winter market with Raphinha as the main solution for the center forward position and Gabriel Jesus as an alternative. The evolution of the ex-Arsenal player's minutes over the next few weeks will be one of the factors determining whether the sporting direction maintains this plan until the end of the season or considers signing for the attack again.