Aston Villa confirm appointment of Monchi as president of football operations

Aston Villa have announced that Sevilla sporting director Monchi has joined the club as their new president of football operations.

The Spaniard has built a reputation as one of the game's savviest operators in the transfer market over the last two decades, helping Sevilla become a force in European football.

90min reported last year that Chelsea were looking to hire him as part of their structural overhaul, while he was on Tottenham Hotspur's list of options to become their new director of football this summer.

Monchi then emerged as an option for Aston Villa this month, and the West Midlands club have now confirmed his arrival.

In a statement, Aston Villa said: "Aston Villa is delighted to announce the appointment of Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo 'Monchi' as the Club's new President of Football Operations.

"Monchi joins from Sevilla FC, where he was Director of Football. In his new role, Monchi will report to Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and have responsibility for all football matters at the Group, working closely with Unai Emery to lead the club."

Monchi said: "I am very excited to join Aston Villa, a great project which is striving for excellence from the Under-9s to the top level, and I completely share the vision of Mr. Sawiris and Mr. Edens. I am also delighted and can't wait to work with Unai Emery again, one of the best managers in football. After enjoying so many years with Sevilla FC and winning several European trophies with my life-long club, I look forward to building on the recent successes at Aston Villa and ensuring this colossal club continues to grow and improve."

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