Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement to appoint Roberto Olabe as the new president of football operations following the impending departure of Monchi. The Villans find themselves struggling without a victory and languishing in the relegation zone after a goalless draw against Everton over the weekend, adding pressure on the club’s recruitment strategy.
The club’s summer signings have attracted scrutiny, as Ivory Coast’s Evann Guessand, veteran goalkeeper Marco Bizot, and former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof were Aston Villa’s only permanent acquisitions. Monchi will depart his role, and The Athletic reports that Olabe, who recently left Real Sociedad, is set to step into the breach.
Olabe’s anticipated appointment is considered a major coup, given his esteemed career and previous considerations from top clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid. Meanwhile, ex-Villa striker Stan Collymore has criticised Monchi’s recruitment record and speculated on Unai Emery’s potential future at Manchester United.
Collymore pointed out the club’s underwhelming transfer success rate, stating that Emery’s tenure at Villa might be drawing to a close, further fuelling rumours of a move to United. “Recruitment at a club like Villa must have an 80% success rate to compete,” Collymore asserted as he urged for a swift adaptation in the transfer strategy.
While speculation over Emery’s future at Villa continues, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has quelled fears by assuring fans that Emery is committed to the project. Emphasising that Monchi’s departure is merely a transition, Balague reassured that Olabe’s relationship with Emery would bolster the club’s growth.
In a rallying call, Balague encouraged supporters to stand by the club during challenging times and reinforced that despite fluctuations, Villa remains on an upward trajectory, urging fans to provide their unwavering support during this critical phase.
Aston Villa supporters will undoubtedly be eagerly monitoring the situation as the club navigates through this transitional period with hopes of revitalising their season and securing future ambitions.
READ MORE ON UNAI EMERY ASTON VILLA FUTURE:
- Unai Emery Eyed as Top Contender to Succeed Ruben Amorim at Manchester United as Patience Wears Thin