Barcelona’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign are soon to be underway as Hansi Flick prepares to welcome the full squad back for pre-season at Ciutat Esportiva this Sunday.
The Blaugrana are expected to make further movements in the transfer market over the coming weeks, with new arrivals and outgoings still on the cards.
Deco, now firmly entrenched as one of the most powerful figures at the club, continues to reshape the structure around him, with several changes being implemented behind the scenes.
While much of the focus has been on player signings, Barcelona have now turned their attention to a key off-field position in the scouting department.
Barcelona are set to appoint Joao Amaral as their new head of scouting, replacing Paulo Araujo, whose contract expired on 30 June.
Araujo’s quiet departure marked the end of a three-year tenure that saw him play a pivotal role in strengthening the club’s youth and senior scouting networks.
According to SPORT, Joao Amaral has already informed current club Rio Ave of his decision to leave and has agreed to personal terms with the Catalan giants.
The 38-year-old, who served as Rio Ave’s technical director, is a close ally of Deco and is reportedly already in contact with several members of his soon-to-be scouting team.
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Barcelona view Amaral as someone who understands Deco’s working methods and can seamlessly step into the role with minimal adaptation time.
His appointment is expected to be finalised imminently, as Deco pushes to build a more efficient recruitment structure.
Amaral is also thought to bring a solid scouting network in Brazil, which could benefit Barcelona’s ongoing focus on South American talent.
Meanwhile, Paulo Araujo is reportedly attracting Premier League interest, with several English clubs monitoring his next move.
As Deco continues to expand his influence at the club, it’s clear that every major sporting decision — on or off the pitch — now passes through his hands.
Barcelona’s rebuild, it seems, is not just about players, but about those shaping the vision behind the scenes.
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