Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

Paris Saint-Germain to appoint Antero Henrique as sporting director - source

Antero Henrique will be named as Paris Saint-Germain's new sporting director after the Coupe de France final against Angers on Saturday, a source close to the capital club has told ESPN FC.

The newly deposed former Ligue 1 champions were speaking with Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as Henrique, but it is the Portuguese who will take over the position recently vacated by Olivier Letang.

According to the source, PSG were very keen on Berta but the Italian's contractual situation with Atletico made a deal very complicated -- not to mention expensive.

On top of that, Diego Simeone's reported decision to remain coach helped to convince Berta to remain with Atletico.

Henrique was always reported to have been the first name considered by PSG after Letang departed.

However, Berta actually travelled to Doha, Qatar, for talks with PSG owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), while the Henrique held negotiations in Paris.

The source says PSG were always in contact with both candidates but that once it became clear Berta's capture would be a complicated one, Henrique became the favourite for the role.

Henrique, who already speaks some French, is thought to be excited by the challenge posed by his new role and will bring a wealth of knowledge and connections to PSG -- missing since Leonardo's departure back in 2013.

Although director of football Patrick Kluivert remains in his position for the moment -- mainly to continue the pursuit of Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez -- the source indicates that Henrique's arrival is likely to ultimately spell the end for the former Netherlands international.

Kluivert will either be reassigned to another role that will not clash with Henrique's or he and PSG will part ways.

The capital club could make Henrique's appointment official as early as after the Coupe de France final this weekend but the start of next week is more likely.

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