BREAKING: Aston Villa Appoint Roberto Olabe as President of Football Operations – Monchi Steps Aside, Emery Backed as “World-Class” Boss
Aston Villa have officially confirmed the appointment of Roberto Olabe as their new President of Football Operations, with former football chief Monchi stepping down to take on an advisory role within V Sports, the club’s ownership group.
Olabe joins Villa from Real Sociedad, where he was widely credited with the club’s modern footballing structure and a strong emphasis on youth development. Known for his long-term vision and eye for emerging talent, Olabe’s arrival marks a significant strategic move for Villa as they prepare for a demanding 2025/26 season, including Champions League football.
Monchi, who joined Villa in 2023 from Sevilla, played a crucial role in helping shape the squad under Unai Emery. However, it’s understood that health and personal factors influenced his decision to step back from daily operations, opting instead to stay involved in a broader advisory capacity.
Despite the change in leadership, the club remains fully committed to Unai Emery, with sources close to the club reiterating that Villa “know they’ve got a world-class manager” at the helm. Graeme Bailey reports that Emery continues to enjoy the full confidence of both the ownership and the new football operations leadership.
Olabe’s track record at Sociedad includes promoting talents such as Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Zubimendi, and Takefusa Kubo, aligning well with Villa’s ambition to blend homegrown development with elite European competition.
With Villa looking to build on a top-four Premier League finish and compete on multiple fronts, Olabe’s appointment signals a long-term commitment to sustainable success and a clear footballing identity.
Stay tuned for more updates as Villa gear up for a transformative new chapter under Olabe’s guidance.
