Former Norwich City Sporting Director joins RB Omiya in Japan

The Welshman, who was our guest on Episode #48 of the TGG Podcast, has also been Head of Football Operations at Huddersfield Town, again leading them to promotion to the Premier League.

Since leaving Norwich in April 2024, Webber has been a Director at Bromby and Partners recruitment and advisory firm and will continue to be involved with them after his move to Japan.

Omiya became part of the Red Bull group in November 2024, following administration, and are based in Saitama on the outskirts of Tokyo. They currently play in Japan’s J2 league and Red Bull’s aim is for them to reach the J-League by 2030.

Red Bull were eager to hire an experienced European Sporting Director to lead this charge. Their Technical Director, Mario Gomez, made initial contact with Webber, 41, a year ago, before Jurgen Klopp, the group’s new Head of Global Soccer, held further talks with him.

Klopp already knew Webber through best friend David Wagner, who worked as Head Coach under the Welshman at both Huddersfield and Norwich.

In an interview with TGG in January, Webber made no secret of his desire to work abroad in his next role. 

“My dream has always been to work abroad and become a much better all-round Sporting Director,” he said. “Then hopefully I’ll come back to the UK and take on a really big project.”

Webber begins his new role on Friday and his appointment will be formally announced on Monday.