The financial struggles of FC Barcelona have been well-documented over the past few years. Helping alleviate the economic crisis with astute business in the transfer market, Mateu Alemany has arguably proven to be the most essential element in Joan Laporta’s board of directors.
Alemany was hired as Valencia CF’s CEO in 2011, and he was instrumental in turning around the club’s woes. Valencia was led by him to three straight Champions League appearances as well as the Copa del Rey title in 2019. At Barcelona, despite financial constraints, the Spaniard managed to pull off incredible transfer deals, owing to his experience and ruthless negotiating stance.
He allowed signings in the winter transfer window of 2022 by reducing the wage bill, built a sustainable wage salary structure, and was crucial in outsmarting Dembélé’s agent. Furthermore, he reportedly personally vouched for Christensen’s signing, who turned out to be a major success.
Alemany is renowned for his one-of-a-kind business sense and his capacity to assemble winning teams on a shoestring budget. Moreover, he enjoys a high level of respect for his ability to close deals quickly and effectively and has received praise for these abilities.
In spite of garnering such importance at the club, Barcelona’s official statement confirming his departure does come across as a surprise. This has particularly led to question marks being raised over the reasons for his resignation. According to a recent report from SPORT, money is not the main motive behind the sporting director’s exit.
As rumors of his move to Aston Villa continue to spread like wildfire, it is easy to envision his future in England next. Santi Cañizares, a former goalkeeper for Real Madrid and Valencia, among others, in his weekly intervention on the David Sánchez program on Radio Marca, said, “Mateu Alemany is not a person who moves for money. Nobody would change one club for another just for money.”
The autonomy offered at a club where politics is not always the driving force in decision-making may help explain Alemany’s thought process. Further supporting this claim are the internal disagreements amongst Barcelona board members. At Aston Villa, economic and sporting sectors can be led in solace.