Monchi Departs; Olabe Appointed at Aston Villa

Aston Villa have parted ways with Ramon "Monchi" Rodriguez Verdejo as President of Football Operations, and have appointed former Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe as his successor. Monchi will stay on in an advisory capacity to owners' group V Sports, the club said. Manager Unai Emery described the change as a "normal transition", praised Monchi’s work and said he has confidence in Olabe. The change comes amid a poor start to the season — one goal in five league games, three points and an early cup exit — and reported tensions over recruitment, heavy player sales and unrest among some senior players. Supporters and the Supporters’ Trust have criticised recent transfer dealings, while the club said the move was mutual and part of a planned restructuring intended to stabilise recruitment and on-field performance. Damian Vidagany will remain as Director of Football Operations.