Technical director Ramon Planes asks to leave Barcelona

Barcelona’s technical director Ramon Planes has asked to leave the club immediately. He believes his cycle there is over and he wants to look for a new challenge in his career. He recently had his deal renewed by Joan Laporta for two years. He brought players like Pedri and Araujo to the club, while Gavi and Ilaix’s growth was also partly due to him. His departure will mean Barcelona need to give director of football Mateu Alemany another person to support him.

He spoke with the club directors earlier Wednesday to explain his decision. Barcelona do not want him to leave ahead of the winter transfer window with the planning already in place. Now they will have to look for a replacement.

Planes arrived under Josep Maria Bartomeu to strengthen the sporting structure after Robert Fernandez left and Eric Abidal was made sporting director. After Abidal left, Planes was at the front of the sporting structure, making Ronald Koeman’s signings. He had experience at Alaves, Espanyol, Elche, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe, among other clubs.

Apart from finding great youth players, he had great contacts in the football world and good relationships with top level agents. These contracts served for Barcelona to make some big sales for players who weren’t being used. The challenge this winter is to sell Coutinho, Umtiti, and move on Luuk de Jong.