Aston Villa are making swift changes behind the scenes following a rocky start to the Premier League season. With the club yet to register a win and sitting in the relegation zone, reports suggest that former Real Sociedad director Roberto Olabe is poised to take over as President of Football Operations, replacing the outgoing Monchi. The reshuffle has fueled fresh speculation about Unai Emery’s future, with some linking the manager to a potential move to Manchester United.
Olabe to Replace Monchi in Major Front Office Shake-Up
According to reports from The Athletic, Aston Villa have reached an agreement to appoint Roberto Olabe as the club’s new President of Football Operations. Olabe, who most recently served in a similar role at Real Sociedad, is expected to be officially announced in the coming days.
The 56-year-old has long been admired for his strategic acumen and was previously considered by elite clubs including Arsenal and Real Madrid. His appointment is being viewed by many in football circles as a significant coup for the Midlands club, especially given the growing pressure surrounding recruitment and performance.
Olabe had reportedly been on Villa’s radar even before the club appointed Monchi, making his arrival feel like a return to Plan A for the board.
Monchi’s Exit Raises Questions About Recruitment and Emery’s Future
Monchi’s departure comes after a highly scrutinized summer transfer window that failed to address key squad needs. The club brought in just three permanent signings: Ivory Coast striker Evann Guessand, 34-year-old goalkeeper Marco Bizot, and former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelöf.
The lack of impactful signings has been cited as a major factor in Villa’s sluggish start, prompting criticism from fans and former players alike. Ex-Villa striker Stan Collymore was particularly vocal, calling Monchi’s overall recruitment record “average at best” and highlighting only a few successful signings during his tenure.
Collymore also speculated on the potential knock-on effect Monchi’s exit could have on head coach Unai Emery, who had a close professional relationship with the outgoing executive. With Manchester United reportedly considering managerial changes, some believe Emery could emerge as a target.
Emery to Stay? Spanish Insiders Shut Down Exit Talk
Despite the rumors swirling around Emery’s future, respected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague moved quickly to quash the speculation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Balague assured fans that Emery is not leaving and remains committed to the club’s long-term vision.
“Monchi leaving means just that: Monchi is leaving,” Balague wrote, emphasizing that a new director — specifically chosen by Emery — will step in. He also hinted at a strong working relationship between Emery and Olabe, referencing their history together and suggesting the transition has been carefully planned.
Balague urged supporters to stay the course: “Nobody said it would be easy. But the project continues — and so does the rise.”
A Crucial Period Ahead for Villa
As Villa enter a critical juncture in their season, all eyes will be on how quickly Olabe can settle into his new role and whether the team can reverse their fortunes on the pitch. With the club languishing in the relegation zone and facing mounting pressure, both Emery and the incoming football operations chief have significant work ahead.
For fans, patience and perspective may be key — particularly with a manager like Emery at the helm, who has shown the ability to build winning projects across Europe. The next few weeks could determine not just the direction of Villa’s season, but the stability of their long-term strategy.
