Deco confirms: Yes, Paris Saint-Germain has asked to sign the Barcelona player

In a revealing interview on Catalunya Radio, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco laid bare the club’s current stance on transfers, contract renewals, and future planning. Among the standout moments of the conversation was a powerful confirmation: Paris Saint-Germain had indeed shown interest in signing one of Barcelona’s prized assets, Lamine Yamal.

Deco did not shy away from questions about Lamine’s future or the magnitude of the French club’s interest. “Yes, last season, Paris Saint-Germain asked to sign him,” Deco admitted. “This season, no—but our focus has always been the same. We want Lamine to stay. We haven’t entertained any offers because the player himself isn’t even interested in listening.”

This statement came in the context of rising speculation around Yamal’s next contract. Reports had suggested that the teenage sensation was demanding the highest salary in the squad, but Deco was quick to shut those rumours down. “Lamine did not ask to be the highest-paid player,” he clarified. “We don’t talk to players about these things; we speak with their agents. What he wants most is to be happy.”

In a heartfelt reflection, Deco shared a more personal side to Yamal’s story, drawing a comparison to his own son. “He’s incredibly mature for his age,” Deco said. “I have a son the same age, and when I look at Lamine, I see someone with extraordinary self-confidence. But let’s not forget—he’s only 17. He needs to live a bit, be happy, enjoy his youth.”

Beyond PSG’s interest, Deco addressed how Barcelona envisions Yamal’s future. “Whether he’s 17 or 26, the principle remains the same: football should be fair. A player of his level should have a contract that matches his value—not necessarily the biggest, but one that reflects where he is and where he’s going.”

In terms of commitment, Deco made it clear that the club is prepared to back Yamal for the long haul. “His next contract will probably span four, five, maybe six years,” he said. “For me, there is no better club for Lamine than Barcelona. This is his home.”

The discussion wasn’t limited to just Yamal. Deco also praised head coach Hansi Flick, crediting him for injecting stability into the project. “Flick has brought calm and structure,” Deco said. “He’s found the right players, watched them mature, and turned them into solid performers. He’s happy at the club, he connects with the people, and I don’t see him leaving for any other team.”

Deco was also asked about the team’s goals and growth. “We always knew this squad had room to improve,” he explained. “We came close to the Champions League semi-finals last season. That experience gave us clarity—we had to compete better, and I believed we could.”

Barcelona’s ambitions for the future remain crystal clear. With Lamine Yamal at the heart of their long-term vision, Deco’s stance is unwavering: the player is going nowhere. “We’re not discussing offers because he doesn’t want to hear them. He wants to succeed at Barça. PSG asked, yes, but we are focused on keeping him where he belongs.”

In the modern football world, where teenage talent is often lured by financial powerhouses like PSG or Real Madrid, Yamal’s loyalty—and Deco’s certainty—may just be the refreshing story Barcelona fans need.