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

Mateu Alemany is reconsidering his future and could now snub Aston Villa’s interest in staying at Barcelona, ​​according to reports.

The director of football appeared set to complete his move to Villa Park this summer after agreeing to take on an unspecified senior role at the club, but appears to have left the Premier League side in deep trouble after turning back at the last minute. .

As a result, the move appears to be canceled, with Athleticism claiming that Alemany held a meeting with Barcelona to discuss staying at Camp Nou instead.

It was only earlier this month that the LaLiga champions confirmed that 60-year-old Alemany would quit on June 30 – a year before his contract expires – to pursue a new ‘professional project’ at the alongside Unai Emery at Villa. .

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

As Mail Sport reported, Alemany had held advanced talks with Villa over a move to the club, with several reports in Spain indicating the former Valencia man had been offered a major pay rise to complete the switch.

Sources have suggested that Barcelona knew they couldn’t match the same financial terms.

But regardless of the attractive proposition and a visit to Villa’s training ground last week, Alemany still sees the Barcelona project as his priority. As a result, he is now set to see out the year remaining on his current contract.

Alemany has acted as director of football in Catalonia since 2021 and oversaw a number of transfers which ultimately laid the foundation for this year’s title triumph.

Previously, the 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 as they break in.

But Alemany looks unlikely to help his quest in the next campaign after his apparent change of heart, with the veteran instead focusing on continuing Barcelona training.

Asked about Villa’s obvious interest in March, Alemany said: “It’s a private matter of no great importance. What is certain is that I will stay at Barça.

Sporting director Jordi Cruyff has confirmed he will be leaving the club and former midfielder Deco is said to be one of the names in the executive to replace him.

“FC Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff will not be renewing his contract at the end of the current season due to his wish to embark on new professional activities”, Barcelona said in a statement on Tuesday.

“He announced his decision this Tuesday morning to President Joan Laporta during an emotional meeting during which he explained that after two years in office, he was leaving to face new challenges.

“Cruyff said he is committed to assisting the club in their transition to a new executive structure and will offer their full support as the ongoing transactions in the summer transfer market close.”

“He also thanked the president very sincerely for his trust and for giving him the chance to come to FC Barcelona two years ago.”