New transfer guru set to be a REAL asset for Villa

VILLA last night appointed Roberto Olabe as Monchi's replacement.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

The 57-year-old left Real Sociedad in June and had been in talks with Villa about leading the club's football department.

A club statement said: "The club would like to confirm that Monchi is stepping down as President of Football Operations and will continue in an advisory role at V Sports.

"Roberto Olabe will take over as the club's new President of Football Operations with immediate effect.

"Roberto and Unai are linking up for the second time having previously worked together at Almeria with Damian Vidagany continuing in the role of Director of Football Operations."

News of Monchi's exit emerged on Monday night, with Villa preparing for his departure by identifying Olabe as their primary target.

He is regarded as one of the top football executives in Europe and previously worked with Villa manager Unai Emery at Almeria.

Alberto Benito, who has been part of Villa's recruitment setup since May 2023, succeeded Olabe as sporting director at the Spanish club in 2007.

Olabe was sporting director at Real Sociedad for seven years. Under his leadership, they won the Copa del Rey in 2021, became regular top-six finishers in La Liga, and returned to the Champions League in 2023/24, reaching the last 16.

His expertise has been especially evident in the transfer market, where Sociedad have earned a reputation for smart trading selling Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Alexander Isak for substantial fees, while developing talent like Martin Odegaard (on loan from Real Madrid) and bringing through youth.