Barcelona announce departure of director Mateu Alemany, Aston Villa make offer

Barcelona football director Mateu Alemany will leave his role at the end of the season.

Despite having a contract until 2024, Alemany has decided to part ways with Barca to seek a new experience.

However, the Spanish executive has committed to overseeing Barca’s summer transfer business.

Alemany moved to Camp Nou in 2021 at the behest of President Joan Laporta and has done impressive work behind the scenes.

He was responsible for shipping out several fringe players and making shrewd free transfers such as Eric Garcia, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.

Last summer’s high-profile signings Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha have made a significant impact this season, helping Barca close in on the La Liga title.

He also played a key role in the contract renewals of the club’s young prospects, such as Pedri, Gavi and Ronald Araujo.

Barca’s statement read: “The FC Barcelona director of football, Mateu Alemany, will end his time at the club on June 30 to begin a new professional project.

“Despite having a contract until 2024, Mateu Alemany has informed the FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, of his intention to take a new path in his career but at the same time assuring that he will complete the summer transfer market with the club.

“Therefore, despite formally leaving the club on July 1, thanks to an informal agreement, Mateu Alemany has committed himself to completing the first team’s transfer business this summer, even if it should be at the final moments of the transfer window.”

Alemany has been tasked to re-sign Lionel Messi, who is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Antonio Cordon, who recently left Real Betis from the sporting director role, is reportedly in line to succeed Alemany at Barca.

Premier League giants Aston Villa have approached Alemany over the position of football director, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Villains have offered Alemany a lucrative salary to work alongside his compatriot Unai Emery.