Barcelona : Top 5 successors to Robert Fernández as technical director

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 23: In this handout image provided by UEFA, Marc Overmars arrives with the Ajax team ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on May 23, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 23: In this handout image provided by UEFA, Marc Overmars arrives with the Ajax team ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on May 23, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)
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PATERNA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 02: Valencia CF General Manager Jesus Garcia Pitarch attends the presentation of a new Valencia CF player, Denis Cheryshev at Paterna Training Centre on February 2, 2016 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
PATERNA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 02: Valencia CF General Manager Jesus Garcia Pitarch attends the presentation of a new Valencia CF player, Denis Cheryshev at Paterna Training Centre on February 2, 2016 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

1. Jesús García Pitarch

Jesús García Pitarch is a familiar name for the Barça board, and he has interacted with Barcelona officials in the past. The 54-year old Spaniard has a very good history of working with youngsters, and he was in charge of Valencia’s youth academy for many years.

He was sporting director at Valencia in two spells (2002-2004, 2016-2017), and at Atlético for 5 seasons. He is single-handedly responsible for the stardom of players like David de Gea and Raúl Albiol.

He has also had a huge role in completing signings of players like Diego Forlán and José Antonio Reyes. Pitarch was also involved in negotiations for the sale of André Gomes and Paco Alcácer. While he has had public spats with managers, he is a very talented sporting director.

Next: Should Barcelona go for Toby Alderweireld in the summer?

If Robert Fernández does leave the club at the end of the season, the board should considering appointing Jesús García Pitarch as his replacement.