Just over a week ago, reports emerged that Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste was in advanced talks to become the new CEO of Al-Nassr. In their ongoing push to develop football in Saudi Arabia, execu...
Just over a week ago, reports emerged that Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste was in advanced talks to become the new CEO of Al-Nassr.
In their ongoing push to develop football in Saudi Arabia, executives are not only targeting high-profile players but also strengthening their organisational structure with experienced figures from the football world.
One such target is Barcelona’s sporting vice-president Yuste, and his departure now appears imminent.
According to Sacha Tavolieri (h/t SPORT), a pre-agreement has already been reached for Yuste to become the new CEO of the Saudi club.
Building on that, SPORT adds that Yuste has informed Barcelona that he will not travel with the team on the upcoming tour of Japan and South Korea. Instead, he plans to head to Saudi Arabia for another meeting with Al-Nassr executives.
On 10 July, Yuste held a meeting in Barcelona with an Al-Nassr representative, during which the terms of the proposal were discussed and the foundations of the agreement were established.
Set to leave Barcelona. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Three days ago, Yuste had dinner with Barça president Joan Laporta at Asador de Aranda in Tibidabo, where he shared the details of the situation.
Laporta, who has always described Yuste as “one of the key pillars of the project,” understood his position. The two have been friends since childhood and have served together on the board since Laporta’s first term as president.
The Saudi offer represents a significant opportunity for Yuste, especially since he does not receive a salary for his work as Barcelona’s sporting vice-president. Given the financial terms, the club recognises that the offer is virtually impossible to turn down.
Joan Soler in line to replace Yuste
Should Yuste’s departure become official in the coming days, the leading candidate to succeed him as sporting vice-president is Joan Soler.
In fact, this change was already being considered during the previous season, causing a brief rift between Laporta and Soler, who oversees youth football. However, their relationship was quickly restored.
Now, though, a parting of ways appears to be on the cards, with Soler ready to replace him in the vice-president role.
Category: General Sports
