Barcelona Sporting Director Deco has announced plans to take legal action against Victor Font following comments made by the former presidential candidate. Font suggested there was questionable conduct surrounding the signing of Vitor Roque, igniting a public dispute.
Font’s remarks on RAC1 implied a lack of transparency in the €30 million deal, claiming:
“What is not normal raises suspicions. Let them come out and explain it. If Barça planned and was transparent, there would be no fuss like what happened with Barca Studios or the signing of Vitor Roque, since it is not known what interests were behind it.”
Font further insinuated that Deco, previously linked to the player as an agent, orchestrated the deal upon assuming his Sporting Director role. However, reports clarify that Andre Cury, not Deco, acted as Roque’s agent during the transfer.
According to La Vanguardia (via Relevo), Barcelona was first offered the chance to sign Roque in January 2023. At the time, then-Director of Football Mateu Alemany and Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff declined the proposal due to financial and sporting concerns. Deco, working as a club scout then, reportedly advocated for Roque’s signing, revisiting the opportunity when he assumed a leadership role.
Victor Font also criticized the club’s broader financial management under President Joan Laporta, stating:
“The situation with President Laporta is worse than with Bartomeu—the debt is higher, the income is the same, and we spend more or less the same.”
The 19-year-old Vitor Roque, signed for a base fee of €30 million plus €31 million in variables, has struggled to find form in Europe. Loaned to Real Betis with a €25 million buy option for 80% of his rights, Roque has shown glimpses of promise but remains inconsistent.
Deco’s decision to sue Font underscores his firm rejection of these allegations. While the internal details of the transfer remain unclear, the Sporting Director is keen to defend his reputation and the integrity of his role at Barcelona.
