Deco to have greater responsibilities than Jordi Cruyff as Barcelona sporting director – report

Spanish publication SPORT has recently come up with a featured piece highlighting the important role Deco is going to play in the club’s management.

When the former midfielder was initially hired, he was mostly seen as a replacement for Jordi Cruyff. The Dutchman had announced his decision to leave Camp Nou at the end of the month, in favour of a new adventure elsewhere.

With Deco serving as Cruyff’s replacement, many also presumed he will serve as the right-hand man for Mateu Alemany. The Barcelona director initially wanted to quit the club this summer but made a sensational U-turn to remain at Camp Nou.

However, according to SPORT, Deco has a bigger role in Barcelona’s management than presumed. It appears the Brazilian has not been hired as the replacement for Cruyff or to be the right-hand man for Alemany, for that matter.

The report suggests Deco will be the main guy in the sporting department, calling all the shots when it comes to player signings. His initial task is to identify specific players that could help the team next season. Case in point, Barça have reportedly signed Ilkay Gundogan.

In addition to leading the sporting department, Deco also takes over part of Alemany’s responsibilities, presumably when it comes to the transfer market. He has a large network in South American football, and had helped Barcelona sign a few players in the past.

Deco will also be the main person to work alongside head coach Xavi Hernandez. It appears the Brazilian has been hired to become a crucial member of the Barcelona sporting staff for the long run. His activity and the moves he makes could go a long way in dictating the club’s future in the years to come.