In an interview with Four Four Two this month, Deco revealed that he made a financial sacrifice to help Barcelona sign Raphinha from Leeds United in 2022.
The winger spent two seasons at Leeds and his fine displays for them resulted in interest from a few Premier League sides. Deco, who’s currently the sporting director at the Camp Nou, was then the 27-year-old’s agent.
Chelsea were keen on signing the Brazil international two years ago and offered more money than the one proposed by the La Liga side. Deco giving up his agent fee was vital in the former Leeds man arriving at the Camp Nou.
Journalist Xavier Bosch, writing in his column for Mundo Deportivo, is pleased with the effort put in by the agent to get Raphinha out of Leeds.
Mateu Alemany was the sporting director when Barca agreed a deal with the Whites, and he refused to reveal the agent’s efforts when asked about it on three occasions. Bosch points that out and says ‘what a great gesture’ from Deco
The gesture was kept as a secret until he opened up about it.
Raphinha is yet to fully convince the Catalan club, resulting in speculation around his future.
Earlier today, another report from Mundo Deportivo stated the South American rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia last summer.
In reality, one would assume all isn’t as simple as it seems and that Deco benefitted in some way.
