As revealed by the media earlier in May, Barca's former midfielder Deco will replace Jodi Cruyf, who left Barca earlier this year to embark on his new professional challenge. However, FC Barcelona said earlier that Deco would also take over as sporting director Mateu Alemani once the summer transfer window closes.
"Deco will be responsible for developing the sporting philosophy of FC Barça and, together with the coach, to form the team and become head of the football department," FC Barcelona said in a statement. "Deco's appointment is in line with information released in May, in which Barcelona presidents Joan Laporta and Alemany agreed to remove the latter after the summer transfer window closed on September 2." Now Deco and Alemani will continue to work together until the summer transfer window closes. In the coming weeks, FC Barcelona will announce details.
Ahead of Wednesday's announcement, Deco had been working on player transfers throughout the summer with Alemani and first-team manager Xavi Hernandez. According to sources, Barça value Deco's knowledge and contacts in the field of South American football, and they are keen to explore the South American market to find potential players.
Deco has already played a key role in helping to secure the transfer deal for striker Vitor Roque, who will officially join Barca early next year. The 45-year-old Deco had to give up his former agent job to start his new job at Barca.
