FC Barcelona is not only focused on making market moves to improve the squad for the 2025/26 season, but is also exploring options to strengthen its sports structure. In this sense, Deco, sports director, will have a new collaborator to shore up the recruitment area.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan team has reached a total agreement with João Amaral, former sports director of the Portuguese Rio Ave, who will be the new head of the scouting area. The Portuguese arrives to strengthen the search and monitoring of young talent, a key piece to get ahead in future incorporations.
It should be remembered that Joao Amaral himself had already informed Rio Ave at the beginning of the summer that he accepted the offer from FC Barcelona and that he was disassociating himself from his functions in the Portuguese team. It should be noted that the Vila do Conde native only performed this work in the Rioavista squad for one season.
João Amaral: new recruitment director at FC Barcelona
João Amaral, personally known by Deco for their joint time at the representation agency D20 Sports Management, arrives to fill the position left vacant by Paulo Araujo. The latter has embarked on a new stage as scouting director at Oporto, after three seasons covering this position in the culé team.
- 📌 THE FACT: The arrival of Amaral represents a commitment to a young and experienced profile, seeking close coordination and direct harmony with the sports director.
With this movement, the club's recruitment area gains in professionalism and specialization, improving the structure that seeks to consolidate emerging talent.
Presentation and immediate future in the sports management
It only remains to formalize the presentation of João Amaral as a new member of Deco's staff at Deco at FC Barcelona. According to sources close to the matter, the agreement is closed and only the usual signatures are missing so that he can start working without delay on sports planning.
This incorporation is an important step in the azulgrana strategy to strengthen its sports management with professionals who know the European market well and the recruitment processes of young promises.