Ajax sporting director waiting for Laporta’s call to join Barcelona

Barcelona have been forced to search the market for a new technical secretary after Ramon Planes informed the club of his decision to step down from the role.

The 54-year-old has been at Camp Nou since 2018 and has been responsible for the signings of players like Pedri, Ronald Araujo in recent years. However, with things changing at the club following the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as the first-team manager, Planes has decided to call it time and seek a new challenge in his career.

With him set to leave, Barcelona director Mateu Alemany is now on the lookout for a new technical secretary, with the name of club legend and former icon Carles Puyol, doing the rounds.

Another ex-Barcelona star, Marc Overmars, is also being linked with the job. The Dutchman, currently the sporting director of AFC Ajax, spent four years at Camp Nou between 2000 and 2004, making over 140 appearances for the Blaugrana.

After retiring from the game in 2011, Overmars started as the technical coach of the Ajax youth teams before assuming the mantle of the Director of Football in 2012 – a job he continues to hold to date. The 48-year-old has done a sterling job in the role, working in conjunction with Edwin van der Sar in recent years to help Ajax enjoy sustained success.

The former Netherlands international turned down an approach from cash-rich Premier League club Newcastle United recently. But Toni Juanmarti of SPORT claims that Overmars has his sights set on the Barcelona job and is waiting for a phone call from club president Joan Laporta.

Overmars’ contract with Ajax runs till 2024, but he could be open to leaving the Eredivisie giants next season. It is now on Barcelona to decide whether they make an approach for their former midfielder or look elsewhere for their next technical secretary. A vastly experienced customer, the 48-year-old has built a strong network and can do a world of good at Camp Nou if appointed.