Fabrizio Romano reveals it, he leaves West Ham for Barça

FC Barcelona is not only preparing to strengthen its playing squad for the 2025–26 season—but also working quietly behind the scenes to build a stronger, smarter, and more professional technical team.

At the heart of this plan is Deco, the club’s sporting director, who wants to reshape the club’s management structure by bringing in people with international experience and modern football ideas.

One of Deco’s main targets is Tim Steidten, a highly respected German football executive who until recently worked with Premier League side West Ham United.

Who Is Tim Steidten?

Tim Steidten is not a household name for most football fans, but within the football industry, he is known as a master scout, talent spotter, and football strategist. He has worked with some of Europe’s top clubs, including Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, and most recently, West Ham United in England.

At 46 years old, Steidten has built a reputation for finding young, affordable, and top-quality players who fit into competitive teams. His work helped West Ham identify several key players who contributed to the club’s improvement in recent seasons.

Deco and Steidten: A Powerful Duo in the Making

According to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specializes in football transfer news, Barcelona has opened talks with Steidten, with Deco personally leading the negotiations. The two are believed to have a good relationship, and Deco sees him as the perfect partner to elevate Barça’s sports planning and recruitment.

Barcelona is in a unique period—rebuilding its squad while dealing with financial limitations. The club can no longer afford the expensive “Galáctico-style” signings of the past. They need smart, strategic planning to stay competitive in Spain and Europe. That’s exactly why Deco wants someone like Tim Steidten on his team.

The idea is to bring someone who understands the global football market and can find talent early—before prices go sky-high.

Barcelona Faces Competition for Steidten

While Barcelona seems serious about getting him, they are not the only club chasing Steidten. Reports say clubs in Saudi Arabia, Germany, and England have also shown interest in signing him. That’s not surprising, considering his impressive track record and availability—he has been a free agent since January, after leaving his role at West Ham.

But Barcelona may have two big advantages:

Deco’s close relationship with Steidten, and

Hansi Flick, the newly appointed Barça manager.

Flick and Steidten are both German, share a similar football philosophy, and speak the same language, making collaboration easier. With Flick already assembling a team that includes former player Bojan Krkic, adding Steidten could create a strong and united football brain trust to support Barcelona’s future.

What Does Steidten Bring to the Table?

Barcelona’s interest in Tim Steidten isn’t just about adding another name to the staff. It’s about introducing a new way of doing things.

Here’s what Steidten brings:

Eye for Talent: He has a deep understanding of scouting networks, especially in Europe and South America. He’s known for finding hidden gems—young players with potential who can be signed at a good price.

Strategic Planning: He doesn’t just sign players; he helps clubs build squads that balance youth, experience, and tactical needs. That’s important for a club like Barcelona, which is trying to blend stars like Lamine Yamal with more experienced players.

Cost-Conscious Approach: In Barcelona’s current financial situation, they need to avoid overpriced transfers. Steidten is known for building strong teams on a limited budget, something he did well at Leverkusen and West Ham.

International Outlook: He has worked across several leagues and understands how to navigate complex transfer markets, regulations, and club cultures.

What This Means for Barcelona

Barcelona’s move to bring in Steidten signals a change in mindset. For many years, the club relied on flashy signings, but in recent times that strategy has become unsustainable. The modern football world is more competitive, and clubs must be smart, agile, and visionary to succeed.

With Deco, Hansi Flick, and possibly Tim Steidten working together, Barcelona would have a three-man leadership team combining deep football knowledge, coaching experience, and scouting expertise. This could be the key to returning Barça to the top—without falling back into financial crisis.

Conclusion: A Smart Move for a Smart Future

Barcelona is no longer just buying big names—they are building a system. If Tim Steidten joins the team, he will help shape the next generation of Barcelona players, ensuring that the club has both quality on the pitch and stability off it.

In a time where every euro counts, Barcelona is making smart moves to stay ahead. Deco is doing the behind-the-scenes work, and if all goes well, fans may soon see the beginning of a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable Barcelona.

As they say in Ghana, “ɛnyɛ ahomaso na ɛma ɔkɔm de onipa, na nsɛm a ɛyɛ mmerɛ no.” (It’s not pride that brings hunger, but poor planning.)
Barcelona seems to have learned that—and is now planning better for tomorrow.