Mateu Alemany considering Barcelona stay as Aston Villa move set to collapse

Mateu Alemany has reportedly reversed his decision to leave Barcelona despite announcing his departure from the director of football role at the start of this month.

The Catalan giants officially confirmed that the Spanish chief would step down from his role this summer in search of a new challenge, although he vowed to handle the club’s summer transfer business.

Aston Villa was widely believed to be his next destination after the Premier League outfit had reportedly agreed a deal in principle with Alemany.

However, the move is now on the verge of collapsing as Alemany has changed his stance and decided to continue with Barcelona.

According to Sport, Alemany met with Barca president Joan Laporta on Wednesday to inform him about his decision. The former Valencia executive has agreed to continue with Barca on the same terms.

Alemany feels it isn’t the right moment to leave when Barca are in a financial crisis and also after Jordi Cruyff’s exit was confirmed.

The Blaugrana announced yesterday that Cruyff would leave his role as sporting director at the end of the season. 

Former player Deco is reportedly inching closer towards succeeding Cruyff.

Alemany’s decision will be a welcome boost for Barca, as he has been a pivotal figure behind the scenes, keeping them afloat amid difficult financial times.

His eye for cost-effective signings like Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessi and high-profile buys like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde has been effective, with all of them playing a part in Barca’s La Liga triumph this season.

Alemany has a huge task of resolving Financial Fair Play issues this summer and helping the Blaugrana make new signings, including priority target Lionel Messi.