Deco, the current sporting director of FC Barcelona, is quietly working to get ahead of Real Madrid and close a transfer that could make a huge splash in the market. It's about Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's talented right-back, whose contract is about to terminate. The Englishman has been on the radar of big European teams, including Real Madrid, but Deco could have a trick up his sleeve to convince him to move to Camp Nou.
Barça's interest in Alexander-Arnold is not new. In fact, in an interview given in 2021, the player himself expressed his sympathy for the blaugrana team. The full-back said at the time that he saw Barça as a club close to Liverpool's values. He also highlighted the importance that both teams give to the youth academy and their offensive style of play.
Deco is already working on a Liverpool player | @deco_official | @deco_official
Thiago Alcántara, key to Deco's success
"I would say my other favorite team is Barcelona. I feel that Barça has the same values and beliefs as Liverpool. They like to bring out players from the youth academy (...) I grew up watching Messi and that top Barcelona team featuring Iniesta, Xavi, Henry, Eto'o..." he said on that occasion.
Deco, aware of this connection, is making moves to attract Alexander-Arnold to Barcelona. But he is not only basing his decision on the English player's past statements. there's another key factor that could prove fundamental for the full-back to decide to sign for Barça: Thiago Alcántara.
Arnold, Barça's target | Europa Press
The midfielder, formerly from Barça and Liverpool, has shared a dressing room with Alexander-Arnold in recent years and keeps a good relationship with him. In addition, Thiago spent this summer doing training with Hansi Flick's coaching staff. According to Miquel Blázquez in e-Notícies, there's a possibility that he will return to Barça in a technical role in the future.
If Thiago joins Flick's coaching staff, his influence could be decisive in convincing Alexander-Arnold that Camp Nou is the best destination for him to continue his career. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who are also interested in strengthening their right-back, are closely monitoring the situation. However, Deco is confident that the connection between Thiago and Alexander-Arnold, together with the attractiveness of Barça's sporting project, will be enough to get ahead of Florentino Pérez.
With Pau Cubarsí consolidating his position in defense and the need for a quality right-back, Alexander-Arnold would fit perfectly into Barça's plans. On the other hand, Real Madrid, who have also been linked with the player, could lose ground if Deco manages to close this transfer.
