Former Chelsea midfielder set for Barcelona sporting director role

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 07:01 - 17 May 2023

Deco is soon to be named Barcelona sporting director

Former FC Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco is set to replace Barcelona’s outgoing sporting director Jordi Cruyff at the end of the season.

Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that Cruyff will leave the La Liga champions in the summer as he wishes “to embark on new professional endeavors”.

Deco to become Barcelona's new sporting director

Deco, a former Barcelona midfielder, is now primed to replace Cruyff in the prestigious role at the Camp Nou. He will also help fill the void left by director of football Mateu Alemany when he departs for Aston Villa in the summer.

Barcelona will fix the appointment of Deco as new director very soon, as reported yesterday. It's matter of time for technical reasons; then it will be completed. 🔵🔴 #FCB

Joan Laporta, convinced of Deco's skills as director to help the club on long-term project. pic.twitter.com/zamH73lQHw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2023

The 45-year-old, who currently acts as the agent of Barcelona winger Raphinha, played at the Camp Nou between 2004 and 2008.

Although Raphinha has confirmed he will remain at Barcelona next season, it is unclear whether Deco will need to sever his working relationship with him.