According to Barcelona-based newspaper *Sport*, the La Liga club is interested in signing Chelsea players Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka in January to strengthen their midfield. Deco is particularly eager to secure Lavia, who slipped away from him when Chelsea signed the Belgian from Southampton in August 2023. Deco also sees an opportunity to negotiate a deal for Chukwuemeka, as Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has sidelined the England U21 international.
However, not everyone at Barcelona agrees with this plan. *Sport* reports that Hansi Flick prefers to rely on players from Barcelona’s La Masia academy rather than pursue these signings. One promising talent, 17-year-old Marc Bernal, had shown great potential early in the season but has since suffered a torn ACL, requiring surgery that will keep him out until the 2025-26 campaign.
Barcelona has several other promising young midfielders in their youth ranks, and Flick is keen to give them opportunities. He believes that promoting these players would not only earn the support of the fans but also help the club save money for other potential transfer targets.
Flick has Barca midfield headache
It’s understandable that Deco is exploring potential midfield additions for Barcelona, especially given recent challenges. Ilkay Gundogan returned to Manchester City in the summer, and key players like Marc Bernal, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Olmo are all dealing with injuries. Additionally, speculation about Frenkie de Jong potentially leaving the club next summer continues to linger.
Deco seems to believe that Chelsea isn’t helping Lavia and Chukwuemeka fulfill their potential. Lavia has been sidelined by injuries for much of his time at Chelsea, while Maresca appears open to letting Chukwuemeka go. Though Chelsea has made some successful transfers, such as with Cole Palmer, some others, like Lavia and Chukwuemeka, haven’t worked out as planned.
If Chelsea were to let either player leave, it’s likely they’d take a financial loss. Lavia arrived for an initial £53m, potentially rising to £58m, while Chukwuemeka cost £20m from Aston Villa.
Given Flick’s strong preference for developing La Masia talent, it seems unlikely that Barcelona’s board would approve Deco’s pursuit of these players. Chelsea, on the other hand, hopes Lavia can begin proving his value now that he’s recovered from a hamstring injury, although Chukwuemeka’s future at Stamford Bridge appears uncertain.
