Mateu Alemany (with added Alberto Benito and Pablo Rodriguez)

[dave.woodhall]

We may as well start this one off.

[curiousorange]

If someone could please explain what he's going to do that would be helpful.

[LeeB]

If someone could please explain what he's going to do that would be helpful.

If this is the man Emery wants then he's going to be good at whatever he does, and the fact he's leaving Barcelona of his own accord to come here also suggests were not planning on just solidifying  our place in the top 10 next season

[AV82EC]

Sporting Director innit blud.

He’ll be like Purslow but for the Football side of the club from what I’ve read but who knows.

[Monty]

He sounds...well, he sounds fucking good to be honest.

[curiousorange]

If someone could please explain what he's going to do that would be helpful.

If this is the man Emery wants then he's going to be good at whatever he does, and the fact he's leaving Barcelona of his own accord to come here also suggests were not planning on just solidifying  our place in the top 10 next season

Yeah, sorry, more in a "what's a director of football?" way rather than a "who does this bloke think he is?" way.

[eamonn]

Sounds like we're the ones who'll be paying the alimony. As long as he makes sure the kids are alright...

[LeeB]

If someone could please explain what he's going to do that would be helpful.

If this is the man Emery wants then he's going to be good at whatever he does, and the fact he's leaving Barcelona of his own accord to come here also suggests were not planning on just solidifying  our place in the top 10 next season

Yeah, sorry, more in a "what's a director of football?" way rather than a "who does this bloke think he is?" way.

I know, I'm not sure myself but I'm certain the manager does, so that will do for me

[AV82EC]

Does Emery know him from his time st Valencia?

[Brazilian Villain]

If someone could please explain what he's going to do that would be helpful.

My impression is, overseeing the football side of things i.e. transfers in and out and contract negotiations, whilst keeping an eye on the financials. Doesn't scout the players, rather looks at the assessments, gives the yay or nay on them and deals with the financial aspects. The general consensus seems to be that he's done a very good job at Barca building a title winning team despite reducing the debt.

Had a quick look at Twitter and from what I saw..
- The Barca fans are gutted he's going, some saying this is worse news than Messi leaving.
- The reason for his departure seems to be the board's (and manager's) desire to bring Messi back, whereas he wants to be more practical from a footballing and financial perspective i.e. not a man for vanity or nostalgia signings.
- Highly respected and considered top 5 in the World at what he does, if not the best. Extensive list of contacts in Spanish and World football. 
- Known as a ruthless negotiator when it comes to dealing with agents and other clubs. Not an area we've been weak in so far but still welcome news.
- Will be considered quite the coup if we get him. https://twitter.com/Millar_Colin/status/1653496657835708419

In short, exciting news and after the appointment of Unai, would be a statement of intent by the owners that they aren't here to f*ck around.

[paul_e]

If someone could please explain what he's going to do that would be helpful.

If this is the man Emery wants then he's going to be good at whatever he does, and the fact he's leaving Barcelona of his own accord to come here also suggests were not planning on just solidifying  our place in the top 10 next season

Yeah, sorry, more in a "what's a director of football?" way rather than a "who does this bloke think he is?" way.

In a setup like ours I'd see 3 things:
Sets the priorities for the academy, specifically the transition from youth to senior squads.
Leads on scouting based on the needs of the manager.
Handles negotiations for agents, players and clubs.

[LeeB]

Nice news after the defeat on Sunday, a reminder that whatever happens in the next few games next season is going to be full on.

[Drummond]

He's built a side that won the league again having been in a really shit financial state.

Seems well liked.

Now, what was it people were saying in January about a lack of ambition?

[Risso]

Whatever his successes or otherwise at Barca, the fact that he's coming from there will be huge. I imagine that sort of person has a lot of clout when phoning players and agents. Add this to Emery's reputation and it's looking very good indeed.

[sewiek]

not a man for vanity or nostalgia signings.

So we can rule out Tammy 'needs 9 chances to score 1' returning? Good.