Barcelona set to appoint Deco’s close confidant as new head of scouting | OneFootball

Deco has established immense power and influence within the Barcelona ranks since being appointed as the club’s sporting director.

Deco plays a key role in dictating Barcelona’s transfer policies, but he also has great influence on staff hiring.

To that end, it appears Barcelona are on the verge of hiring one of Deco’s close confidants as they look for a new head of scouting.

That is because Paulo Arujo, who was serving as the club’s head of scouting, has left Barcelona after his contract ended on June 30.

Barcelona eye Joao Amaral as a replacement

According to SPORT, Barcelona are planning to cover up the departure of Araujo by bringing in Rio Ave’s technical director, Joao Amaral.

Amaral is regarded as a close confidant of Deco and is aware of exactly how the latter operates and executes his business within an organisation.

Deco’s influence has been key in Joao Amaral’s appointment. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This could help Amaral quickly integrate himself into the Barcelona setup and get to work immediately.

Amaral has already informed Rio Ave that he has accepted Barcelona’s offer and will leave his role as technical director effective immediately.

The Portuguese has even reached a salary agreement with Barcelona while also making contact with several members of his new team.

Amaral’s appointment, therefore, could only be a matter of time. Deco has chosen to appoint the Portuguese because of the personal trust and faith he has in the 38-year-old.

Having worked with Rio Ave, Amaral may already have a solid scouting network in Brazil and could be a great addition to the Barcelona scouting team.

As for Araujo, everything suggests he is headed to the Premier League for a new adventure altogether.