Jordi Cryuff to leave Barcelona at the end of the season

Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cryuff will leave the club at the end of the season after two years in his position at the club.

The 49-year-old former Maccabi Tel-Aviv manager is looking for a new challenge.

Cryuff confirmed his departure to Barca president Joan Laporta in an emotional meeting. He joined from Chinese league club Shenzhen FC in September 2021.

A club statement read: “FC Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff will not be renewing his contract at the end of the current season due to his wish to embark on new professional endeavours.

“He announced his decision this Tuesday morning to president Joan Laporta at an emotional meeting in which he explained that after two years in his position, he is leaving to face new challenges.

“Cruyff has said that he is committed to assisting the club in its transition towards a new executive structure and will be offering his full support with the closure of outstanding operations in the summer transfer market.”

Cryuff was Xavi Hernandez’s ally in the board room, and the Barca head coach tried to convince him to remain with the club.

During Barcelona’s title parade, Xavi asked people to chant for the former Dutch international to stay.

However, the Dutch-Catalan is adamant about leaving the Blaugrana. A structural change is coming to the club, with Mateu Alemany also departing.

He has an offer on the table from Premier League club Aston Villa.

Cryuff will close any market operations the club is working on and will help the club transition as they bring in new executives.

Raphinha’s agent and former Barcelona star Deco is a front-runner to replace Alemany as director of football.

It is unclear who the club will bring in to replace Cryuff, as there are no names in the rumour mill.