Barcelona have finally reached a formal agreement for Deco to join the club as sporting director, replacing Jordi Cruyff. Director of football Mateu Alemany’s exit is also impending.

Deco, formerly a football agent who oversaw client Raphinha's move to Camp Nou last summer, has signed a three-year contract until 2026.

"Deco will be in charge of setting FC Barcelona's sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach and the coaching and becoming head of the football section," the club explained.

Alemany, who backed out of a proposed move to Aston Villa in May, is under contract until 2024. But Barcelona have agreed to release him from his duties at the end of the summer transfer window.

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In the meantime, Deco and Alemany will work together. But Barcelona are to confirm details regarding the club's sporting structure moving forward.

Deco formally returns to Barcelona 15 years after playing his last game for the club in 2008.

The retired Portuguese midfielder made 161 appearances over four seasons after arriving from Porto, with whom he had won the Champions League in 2004. The number 20 was then pivotal in Barcelona’s Champions League triumph in 2006.

After 58 appearances for Chelsea, Deco returned to Brazil, the country where he was born and grew up, to play with Fluminense until hanging up his boots in 2013.

This article was originally published on 90min as Deco officially joins Barcelona as new sporting director.