Barcelona announce Deco as sporting director on 3-year deal

Barcelona have introduced the appointment of former Portugal worldwide Deco as the membership’s new sporting director on a three-year deal.

ESPN revealed in May that Deco was in line to exchange Jordi Cruyff, who left his position with Barca earlier this yr to embark on new skilled challenges.

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However, Barca say Deco may also take over director of soccer Mateu Alemany’s duties as soon as the switch window ends.

“Deco will be in charge of setting the club’s sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach, becoming head of the football section,” the Catalan membership stated in an announcement.

“His appointment is in line with the information released in May in which president [Joan Laporta] and [Alemany] agreed the latter’s release from his role once the current transfer window closes on Sept. 2.

“Deco and Alemany will proceed to work collectively till the closing of the window. In the approaching weeks, the membership will launch particulars of the [new] sporting construction.”

Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, Deco had already been working all through the summer season together with Alemany and first staff coach Xavi Hernandez on recruitment.

Born in Brazil, sources stated Barca worth Deco’s data and contacts in South American soccer, a market they’re eager to take advantage of.

He has already performed a key position in serving to shut an settlement for striker Vitor Roque, who will be part of Barca from Athletico Paranaense subsequent yr.

Deco, 45, had to surrender his work as an agent to take on his new place at Barca.

Also on Wednesday, it was confirmed that coach Xavi Hernandez and winger Raphinha will every serve two-match bans after being proven pink playing cards in Barcelona’s 0-0 draw with Getafe of their opening LaLiga match on Sunday.