Mateu Alemany ‘RECONSIDERING his future and may snub Aston Villa’ to stay at Barcelona

Mateu Alemany is reconsidering his future and is now reportedly turning down Aston Villa’s interest in staying at Barcelona.

The director of football looked poised to finalize his move to Villa Park in the summer after agreeing an undetermined senior role at the club, but appears to have abandoned the Premier League side after making a last-minute U-turn made. .

As a result, the move appears to be finished, with The athletic claiming Alemany met with Barcelona to discuss staying at the Camp Nou instead.

Only earlier this month did the LaLiga champions confirm that 60-year-old Alemany would step down from his role on June 30 – a year before his contract was due to expire – to pursue a new ‘professional project’, presumably alongside Unai Emery at Villa . .

However, it emerged today that Alemany met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and confirmed he is considering a change of mind.

As reported by Mail Sport, Alemany had advanced talks with Villa over a position at the club, with multiple reports in Spain indicating the former Valencia player had been given a large salary increase to complete the move.

Sources suggested that Barcelona knew they could not meet the same financial conditions.

But regardless of the attractive proposal and a visit to Villa’s training ground last week, Alemany is believed to still consider the project at Barcelona his priority. As a result, he is now open to looking out the remaining year of his current deal.

Alemany has been director of football in Catalonia since 2021 and has overseen a number of transfers that ultimately laid the foundations for this year’s title win.

Previously, the much sought-after figure held various positions at Valencia and Real Mallorca.

Since replacing Steven Gerrard in October, Emery has propelled Villa from 14th to eighth in the top flight, allowing them to dream of Europe during their run.

But it seems unlikely that Alemany will aid his quest next season following his apparent change of heart, with the veteran instead focusing on shaping Barcelona.

When Alemany was questioned in March about Villa’s apparent interest, he had said: ‘This is a private matter of little importance. What is certain is that I will stay with Barca.’

Sporting director Jordi Cruyff has confirmed he would be leaving the club and former midfielder Deco would be one of the names in the list to replace him.

“Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff will not renew his contract at the end of the current season due to his desire to start new professional endeavors.” Barcelona reports this in a statement on Tuesday.

He announced his decision this Tuesday morning to President Joan Laporta during an emotional meeting where he explained that he is leaving after two years in office to take on new challenges.

Cruyff has said he is committed to helping the club transition to a new governance structure and will offer his full support in ending any outstanding operations in the summer transfer market.

“He also thanked the chairman very much for his confidence and for giving him the opportunity to come to FC Barcelona two years ago.”