Alemany's position is similar to the one Marc Overmars is covering at Ajax. I doubt Overmars would like to make a step down and be "just" sporting director at Barca. Michael Edwards seems to be Madrid-bound.
Also, looking at the fluctuation rate of sporting directors in club's recent history gives me the vibe that there might be something "off" with this position. If I have to guess as an outsider, I'd say it looks like a clash of power between different positions in the sporting area. Too many cooks spoil the broth is pretty much the conclusion if you look at the squad. Planes deciding to leave after extending his contract under the new board is another proof for the theory of a clash of interests/power within.
The more important thing than a sporting director is to have a clear idea and an agreement between Alemany and Xavi about the sporting direction/way of playing/targeted characteristics of new players. Everything else should be done by scouts. Having a sporting director means Alemany, Xavi and Mr. X have to agree on the player which makes it even harder to find a solution.
Yes, more would need to agree, but that is a good thing.
The more decision-making is allocated and delegated to more people, the more balanced the approach is.
Think of the 1-man presidential or autocratic model that clubs have suffered in the past, where president was deciding for everything.
Of course, you would also need the right structure, and have the people with the right expertise at the relevant positions.
There is still a gap left at Barca: Allemany leads the negotiations, he is working on contracts and finances of the club.
But we need someone to take care of the sporting side, which is traditionally the job of the SD
Xavi is the coach, and should remain the coach focused on how team plays.
Of course, he has to agree on X player to be bought, but there is a whole domain there stretching from early scouting of players (Analytics? What's going on there at Barca?) to devising strategic sporting direction of the club
