LaLiga: FC Barcelona appoint former star Deco as new sporting director
On Wednesday, 16 August, 2023, LaLiga champions FC Barcelona announced the appointment of Deco as their new sporting director. The former Portugal and Barcelona playmaker, who was instrumental in helping the club secure the 2006 Champions League title, has signed a three-year contract with the Spanish giants.
Born in Brazil, Deco is no stranger to Barcelona, having played for the club between 2004 and 2008. During his tenure, he scored 20 goals and provided 45 assists in 161 appearances. His return to the club is marked by anticipation and excitement, as he is renowned for his ability to discover new talent, a skill that will be crucial in his new role.
As the new sporting director, Deco will be responsible for shaping FC Barcelona’s sporting philosophy. He will work closely with the coach, Xavi, and his staff to assemble the squad, effectively becoming the head of the football department. His primary focus will be to bolster the squad during the current transfer window, a task he has already begun.
Deco will replace Mateu Alemany, the outgoing director of football. Alemany will continue to serve the club until the end of the current transfer window in September. Barcelona has stated that Alemany and Deco will collaborate until the transfer window closes, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities.
The club also revealed that in the coming weeks, it would release details about the new FC Barcelona sporting structure. This announcement is eagerly awaited, as it will provide insights into the club’s strategic direction under Deco’s leadership.
Barcelona’s recent signings reflect the club’s commitment to strengthening its squad. This season, they welcomed veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City. However, the club also saw some departures, with Ousmane Dembélé moving to Paris Saint-Germain and Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after the season ended.
Despite these changes, Barcelona’s financial health remains a concern. The club was unable to bring back either Messi or Neymar, two of its former star players. In this context, Deco’s role becomes even more critical. His expertise and connections could be pivotal in securing key signings, such as Portugal defender João Cancelo from Manchester City.
As Barcelona begins the defense of its Spanish league title, the club’s performance on the field will be closely watched. Their first match resulted in a 0-0 draw against Getafe, and they are set to host Cadiz next Sunday. With Deco at the helm of the sporting department, the club’s fans and stakeholders will be hoping for a successful season and a bright future.
