Barcelona sporting director Deco says signing Rodri “makes sense” but the club is planning “moves” to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left when his contract expired this summer after scoring more than one goal per game for the Spanish champions.
Spain captain Rodri, whose contract with Manchester City expires in 2027, He joined Barcelona for £65m on Tuesday, although there was speculation that part of their motivation for the deal included preventing Real Madrid from signing the revered midfielder.
“At first, he was not in our plans because we thought he was not available,” Dico told TV3. Sports world.
“We didn’t sign him for a player from Madrid. That would be a mistake. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world. We’re sure he can contribute and that’s why it makes sense.”
Rodri: Barcelona’s deal with Manchester City improves the team
Deco said Rodri represented an “opportunity”. “We did our best and we succeeded,” he explained, adding that Barcelona followed the same approach with new signings Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisio and Joao Cancelo.
“We are happy for everyone. Every signing we make has a purpose. Before signing with anyone, we discussed it extensively before making the decision.
“Everything has a goal: to improve the team. Rodri works to improve it.”
The 30-year-old was the last player to appear during the traditional round of team presentation in front of Barcelona fans ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy tie on Wednesday.
Rodri received the most enthusiastic reception of any player when he emerged from the tunnel at Camp Nou, although the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was not involved in the 2-1 win over Egyptian side Al Ahly, in which captain Rafinha and 18-year-old striker Hamza Abdel Karim scored during the first half.
Barcelona transfers: Lewandowski’s replacement looms on the horizon
While Abdelkarim has four goals in pre-season, and Adeyemi and Gordon offer Barcelona more attacking options, the most prolific side in La Liga last season face a huge task to find a player who can emulate the impact of Robert Lewandowski, with the transfer window closing on 1 September.
Now with MLS side Chicago Fire, the Polish icon, who turns 38 on Friday and has become increasingly marginal during his final season at Barcelona, has scored 119 goals in 191 games for the club between 2022 and 2026, winning La Liga three times and the 2025 Copa del Rey.
“Two players have left,” Deco said. “Ferrand (Torres, to Paris Saint-Germain) and Robert, we can fill Ferran’s role with new additions, but replacing Robert is very difficult.”
“Even if you find a good player, it is very difficult because he defined an era with us. We have internal solutions but we will definitely make some moves.
“It’s about finding the best solution. We’re working to see what we can do between now and the end of the season.”
Hansi Flick: Barcelona’s signing of Rodri is one of the best
Flick praised Deco because he “did a great job” and stressed that Barcelona is “looking for this player” in attack.
“Hamza is a good striker,” Flick said after winning the cup. “We can see that when he attacks crosses.
“I saw him holding on to the ball (against Al-Ahly), and this is a good thing, and this is what I want to see from him.”
“Rodri showed in the World Cup that he is one of the best players; he gives structure to the team, organizes the game well and can decide whether to play faster or slower. He is a leader.”
Initially signed on loan to Barcelona B in February, Egyptian new signing Abdel Karim joined Barcelona permanently for around £1.3m in June, making that price look surprisingly good value during pre-season to suggest his new club have another sensation on their books.
What’s next? Barcelona match times, schedule
Spanish champions Barcelona’s competitive season begins away to Elche in the Spanish League on August 23 (20:30 GMT).
