Bojan Krkic returns to Barcelona as a part of 'new sporting structure'

The Catalan giants have introduced a new sporting structure

Barcelona sporting director Deco unveiled the club's new sporting structure, which he would lead, at his official debut as Barcelona's new sporting director. The return of Bojan Krkic, once regarded as one of the most gifted young players the club had ever produced, was among the most eye-catching revelations.

Bojan Krkic was once referred to as "the new Messi"

Bojan had great expectations that he could follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, who was three years older than him, and achieve the same level of success at Barça. The attacker scored 10 league goals in his first season with the club under Frank Rijkaard and went on to score 41 goals overall, helping the team win three league championships and two Champions Leagues.

He gradually dropped down Pep Guardiola's priority list though, and at the age of just 21, he left Camp Nou for Roma. After a brief stint at Milan, he strangely returned to Catalonia in 2013 and was promptly loaned out to Ajax. He spent no time on the field for Barça before leaving once more, this time for English team Stoke City.

Position of Bojan Krkic in the "new" Barcelona

Bojan is back at Barcelona in the position of "Soccer Area Co-ordinator," which requires him to manage loans and keep tabs on the development of young and occasionally more experienced players who have been sent out on loans.

Similar to what he did in 2007, Bojan's role will also need him to work closely with the club's young players as more and more of them begin to make their way into the first team.

“He knows what La Masia is all about, as well as what it’s like to be a player that everyone is talking about. We know it’s not easy. Bojan went through it all at this club. He won, but he also struggled. He has a lot to offer in this role. We have great players, but we have to look after them, be aware of their needs and support them”.