Olabe replaces Monchi as President of Football Operations at Villa

Olabe is regarded as the architect of the modern Real Sociedad, the club he left at the end of last season after three separate spells (2002 to 2005, 2006 and 2018 to 2025).

The club had a policy of having a squad comprising 80% Basque players and 20% non-Basque, but Olabe led a clever squad-building strategy and signed the likes of Martin Ødegaard (on loan) and Alexander Isak, while developing the likes of Martín Zubimendi (who joined the club at 11).

Olabe was a former professional goalkeeper and managed Real Sociedad, Almeria and Real Union before moving into the Director of Football role at Sociedad. He has also been Sporting Director at Real Valladolid, Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, Aspire and the Qatar Football Association in Qatar, in addition to serving as the Technical Director of La Liga.

He, Emery and Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany will be linking up for the second time, having previously worked together at Almeria.

Villa Chairman Nassef Sawiris said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Monchi for his hard work and invaluable contribution as President of Football Operations during an exciting period at Aston Villa.

“His commitment and vision has directly contributed to the club’s recent successes, reaching the quarter-final of the Champions League as well as qualifying for Europe for three consecutive seasons.

“We are delighted that Roberto is joining Aston Villa. He has built a reputation as someone who can spot talent that can be developed and we look forward to supporting him to achieve the ambitions we have for V Sports and Aston Villa.”

Monchi added: “I would like to thank everyone connected with Aston Villa for the support and warmth they have shown me since I joined the club, especially Unai and Damian who I have worked especially closely with over these last two years. 

“I must also thank our owners, Nassef Sawiris, Wes Edens and Michael Angelakis for their confidence and their support. I would also like to say a special thank you to all the staff at Aston Villa as well as the players. 

“Lastly, a big thank you to the supporters. We have enjoyed so many special moments together and I look forward to continuing to support V Sports in an advisory role.”