"Their friendship is nice, but we're not handing out mate's rates here," Deco said in an interview with La Vanguardia. "This isn't a social club; we're here to work and win. If they get along, great, but that's secondary. We always prioritise dressing-room harmony, and we have a strong group we want to maintain."

Deco revealed that Williams has been on Barcelona's radar for some time. "He was on our list last season," he said. "The idea of signing Nico has always been there." However, he admitted that Williams wasn't a top priority last term, with the acquisition of Dani Olmo taking precedence.

"Nico's move didn't happen then, but now things have shifted," Deco added. "Nico, like others, has shown a desire to join. If the circumstances align, we'll go for it."

Deco also addressed the signing of young goalkeeper Joan Garcia, despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen's established role. He pointed to Liverpool's approach as inspiration.

"They have Alisson Becker, 32, and signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, 24, one of La Liga's best," Deco explained. "When you have players in their early 30s, you need to plan ahead. Ter Stegen's injuries last season left us with only Inaki Pena, and our academy keepers were too raw. That raised a red flag."

On whether Barcelona would block Ter Stegen's exit if he sought a move, Deco was pragmatic. "If a player really wants to leave, it's hard to stop them," he said. "But that's not an issue now.

"Signing Joan Garcia was about securing the present and future. He could play tomorrow, sit on the bench, or step up in a year or two. Everyone starts equal here, no one gets a head start. I have huge respect for Marc, but Joan was a necessary decision."

No Panic Over Robert Lewandowski's Successor

Deco appeared unconcerned about finding a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski. "Ferran Torres is developing into an important No. 9," he said. "We can also use Dani Olmo as a false nine, or play without a fixed striker if Nico or Luis Diaz joins. It's not a crisis. Obsessing over finding someone of Lewandowski's calibre won't work."

Defensive Dilemma: One Centre-Back Too Many

Deco didn't shy away from admitting Barcelona have an surplus of centre-backs. "We have five, and one needs to go," he said. "It's up to the manager to decide. As Hansi Flick has said, 'decision is job.' He's happy, relaxing in Formentera, and we're aligned." While Deco didn't name names, his comments suggested Andreas Christensen might be more likely to depart than Ronald Araujo.

On Araujo, Deco was emphatic. "We want to improve the team, not weaken it," he said. "Losing a key player like Ronald would do that. He's under contract, renewed, and had a tough season with unfair criticism. He's one of the world's best centre-backs. Leaving isn't in his plans—he wants to return to his peak."

Andile Fikizolo begins coaching career at Polokwane City