Barcelona's scouting overhaul pits domestic legacy against ambition

Barcelona, long celebrated for uncovering Catalan talent, is now launching a new scouting phase that blends its domestic legacy with a broader international push. Since Joao Amaral arrived last summer, the club has already secured winter signings such as Patricio Pacifico, Juwensley Onstein and Ajay Tavares. Amaral has taken a hands‑on approach, travelling across Europe and beyond to watch prospects in person. His involvement has reshaped the recruitment department, placing him at the centre of monitoring the young talents that attract the club’s attention. The renewed international emphasis is evident in the winter window, with the arrivals of Pacifico, Onstein and Tavares signalling a shift beyond Catalonia. Barcelona are also tracking Australian defender Lucas Herrington and Belgian youngster Jesse Bisiwu, aiming to spot elite players before larger clubs intervene.

World Cup tour gives Barcelona director Deco a chance to track targets

A key appointment is Daniele Placido, appointed Head of Emerging Talent after stints as sporting director at Modena and leading AS Roma’s youth structure. Placido will supervise recruitment of players aged 16‑21, a critical development stage for the club’s long‑term plan. Roger Porta Capdevila joins the scouting team, bringing international experience from Real Betis, Getafe and South American football, while Jordi Villazon adds deep knowledge of Catalan grassroots and semi‑professional levels. Deco oversees the major structural changes shaping the new department. Continuity remains with Bruno, who continues to monitor the Brazilian market, and Chechu Rojo, who retains oversight of talent in Spain’s First and Second Divisions. Meanwhile, several long‑standing staff have departed: David Fernández left after being appointed sporting director of Real Oviedo, Jerome Bigot exited after joining Barcelona in 2018, and Pedro Charana confirmed his exit via social media. The contrast between Barcelona’s historic domestic focus and its current global outreach underlines a clear ambition: to build one of Europe’s most proactive scouting networks and secure the game’s brightest prospects before any rival can react.