Dougie Freedman: Crystal Palace sporting director to leave for possible Saudi Arabia role
Crystal Palace sports director Dougie Freedman will leave the club and is considering a position in Saudi Arabia.
Freedman, 50, has been a player, manager at the Palace since 2017.
He is responsible for recruiting players including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson.
Sources close to the situation said Freedman has obtained the sports head of Diriyah Company, who has played Al-Diriyah in Saudi Arabia’s second division.
The role is considered a multidisciplinary role, and he will shape the performance philosophy of up to seven sports under the Diriyah Company Umbrella.
There is no confirmation whether Friedman has officially accepted the position.
The former Scottish striker has been aware of Saudi Arabia’s interest for at least a month, but the move has accelerated over the past week. He is expected to keep inquiry with the palace before leaving in the summer.
He twice with Manchester United and Talks with Newcastle last season.
Iain Moody, who works closely with the Palace’s recruitment campaign, will be in a more prominent position at the club, but as things stand on their stance will not directly replace Freedman.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said Freedman “has played a role in everything he has done in the past eight years”.
“To leave the club and be filled with exciting talent with a roster of great managers, I really believe these foundations can be built,” Freedman added.
