Top Barcelona official closing in on CEO position at Cristiano Ronaldo’s team

In a surprising development, SPORT reports that Barcelona’s vice-president of sport, Rafa Yuste, is in advanced negotiations with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr – not to sign a player, but to become their new CEO.

As Barcelona continue to focus on transfers and squad planning, this unexpected move could see a key figure in the club’s management structure leave for a top executive role abroad.

Yuste met with Al Nassr officials this Thursday to finalise details of his potential appointment. If he agrees to the proposal, he would take over as the club’s chief executive, overseeing all major sporting decisions.

The Saudi club has been impressed by his work at Barcelona and is particularly interested in his vast network of football contacts built during his time as one of the top directors at the Camp Nou.

More than one suitor

Rafa Yuste is in talks to become CEO of Al Nassr. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Al Nassr’s interest in Yuste comes with a clear strategy that they want him to take up a position similar to the one Mateu Alemany held during his time at Barcelona, leading the club’s football project from a strategic and executive standpoint.

However, Al Nassr aren’t the only Saudi club trying to secure Yuste’s services. Reports indicate that Al Ahli SC have also expressed strong interest in making him their sporting CEO.

Should he accept Al Nassr’s offer, it must be noted that Barcelona would lose a senior executive who has been closely involved in player negotiations, signings, and sporting decisions.

For now, Yuste is weighing his options, but a move to Saudi Arabia looks more likely by the day.

View publisher imprint