Barcelona have confirmed the exit of transfer chief Mateu Alemany with a move to the Premier League thought to be close – with Aston Villa involved in negotiations.
The loss of Alemany represents a blow to the Catalan giants and another moment in the shifting balance of financial power in football. The economic approach from Villa is believed to be significantly higher than Alemany’s current deal at Camp Nou, which had been due to run until next summer.
The 60-year-old is viewed as the architect behind the Blaugrana’s transfer strategy since his arrival at the club two years ago. An appointment of club president Joan Laporta, Alemany oversaw football operations at Barca and was a key link behind the coaching staff and club management in squad construction.
