Crystal Palace facing challenge of filling sporting director role after Dougie Freedman’s Saudi Arabia switch
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk Crystal Palace are set for a major change near the top of their structure after the departure of sporting director Dougie Freedman.
The 50-year-old Scot is poised to accept a position in Saudi Arabia at Al-Diriyah, who play in the Saudi second tier and are owned by the Public Investment Fund, who bought Newcastle United in 2021.
The role is believed to be a multi-purpose one which would see him shape the direction of up to seven other sports under the Diriyah Company umbrella.
Former striker Freedman netted 88 times in 320 games for the Eagles and was appointed as manager in 2011 after George Burley was sacked.
Freedman laid a huge amount of the groundwork for the 2012-13 Championship play-off winning side – bringing in Mile Jedinak, Yannick Bolasie and Damien Delaney – but quit in October 2012 to join Bolton Wanderers.
While that caused a breakdown in his relationship with Palace chairman Steve Parish, it was mended long before he returned to Palace in 2017 as sporting director.
Freedman – who signed Championship gems Michael Olise, Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze – has been courted by Manchester United and Newcastle
Olise was bought for £8million and sold to Bayern Munich for more than £50m in July 2024 – his value only diminished by the fact the former Chelsea youngster had a release fee in his contract.
Freedman also signed Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Conor Gallagher, Dean Henderson and Daniel Munoz in recent years.
And the former Bolton boss also made shrewd acquisitions such as Vicente Guaita, Cheick Kouyate and Jefferson Lerma.
There have been signings which have not worked. Naouirou Ahamada was signed from Stuttgart but failed to make an impression under three different managers.
Malcolm Ebiowei and Luke Plange – both signed from Derby – have not made a first-team start in the Premier League.
Big-money signings Matheus Franca (£25m) and Eddie Nketiah, (£30m) are yet to make their impact felt as well.
One of Freedman’s latest deals involved a £14.5m swoop for Millwall’s Romain Esse in the January window.
Freedman had been a regular spectactor in The Den directors’ box to watch the teenage attacker.
Former sporting director Iain Moody, who has worked closely with Palace’s recruitment operation on a consultancy basis in recent years, looks likely to undertake a more prominent position.
Moody was Palace sporting director for 11 months between 2013 and 2014, but resigned after it was alleged he had sent “racist, homophobic and sexist text messages” to former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay during their time working together.
Palace are working on a contract extension for boss Oliver Glasner and it is unlikely that Freedman’s exit will have any influence on the Austrian’s decision whether to extend his stay.
Al-Diriyah played in a 15,000-capacity stadium and are managed by a Portuguese coach in Fabiano Flora.
The club was founded in 1976.
Chairman Steve Parish told Palace’s official website: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player.
“I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future.
“Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I’m sure will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Freedman said: “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.
“It’s been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position.
“To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.
“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion – especially with how you’ve helped new signings and academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.
“Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart. I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”
PICTURE: ALAMY