Too Much on Too Few Shoulders

Deco, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, has raised concerns about the team’s attacking depth. In a recent interview with ESPN, the former midfielder acknowledged that the club has placed a significant load on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, two players who have carried much of the offensive weight this season.

Both wingers have been standout performers for Hansi Flick, directly contributing to a staggering 99 goals combined across all competitions. While this number highlights their brilliance, it also exposes a worrying lack of alternatives.

“We feel a lot of dependency on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal,” said Deco, in comments relayed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. “Maybe we need players with similar profiles to give us more options in those areas.”

Reinforcements Needed This Summer

With the summer transfer window approaching, Barcelona is now expected to prioritize signing one or more wingers who can either rotate with or back up the current stars. Although players like João Félix and Ferran Torres have filled in at times, the coaching staff feels the squad lacks true competition and depth in the wide positions.

The issue becomes even more pressing considering the heavy match schedule that includes LaLiga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Lamine Yamal, still just 17, is playing a significant number of minutes, while Raphinha has had a history of injury setbacks. Relying solely on the pair is seen as unsustainable for a team aiming to challenge on multiple fronts.

No specific names have been mentioned yet, but Barcelona is believed to be scouting young, dynamic wingers who can fit the club’s playing style and offer genuine depth to the squad.

As the Hansi Flick era begins, both the manager and Deco seem aligned in their assessment: Barcelona cannot afford to be so reliant on just two players to power their attack. With this acknowledgment, the stage is set for an active and strategic summer at Camp Nou.