Jordi Cruyff to leave sporting director role at Barcelona to seek new challenges

The 49-year-old son of club great Johan came through the LaLiga side's youth set-up as a player before going on to join Manchester United in 1996.

Cruyff enjoyed a varied career as player, coach and sporting director across the world before returning to Barcelona in September 2021.

The PA news agency understands the former Netherlands international does not currently have a new role lined up ahead of his June 30 departure.

A club statement read: "FC Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff will not be renewing his contract at the end of the current season due to his wish to embark on new professional endeavours.

"He announced his decision this Tuesday morning to president Joan Laporta at an emotional meeting in which he explained that, after two years in his position, he is leaving to face new challenges."

Confirmation of Cruyff's departure follows hot on the heels of the recent news that Barcelona's director of football Mateu Alemany will be leaving in the summer.