In less than a week after winning the title of the Women’s Super League, Doug Freedman leaving Crystal Palace might just be the worst news for the club. Freedman had been in talks to leave the club for quite some time, and now, the news is almost confirmed.
The sporting director Freedman is considering a role in Saudi Arabia, which will pay him well and also provide newer challenges if we follow the sources. If Freedman is to leave, it will be the end of an era for recruitment at the Crystal Palace.
How Long Has Doug Freedman Been Associated With Crystal Palace?
Right when you thought Doug Freedman was only the recruitment strategist, you are mistaken. The talented recruiter served Crystal Palace in every shape and form.
For the first role, he was a player and later turned into manager. His last role for Crystal Palace was that of a recruitment structure individual. Freedman has been part of this role since 2017, which suggests he is an irreplaceable part of the club.
According to Transfermarket, Doug Freedman is one of the finest managers of the game. It is his mindset that has pushed Crystal Palace to excellence today and they are a force to reckon with.
During his sporting director period, Freedman brought in players like Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Dean Henderson etc. Now, Dough Freedman leaving Crystal Palace creates a massive hole to fill.
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Who Offered The Role of Doug Freedman in Saudi Arabia?
Readers and fans of football might be thinking who offered Doug the role in Saudi Arabia? Well, he has been offered the role of ‘Head of Sport’ with Diriyah Company.
Al Diriyah is the second-division club owned by the company. This company owns multiple sports, including football, and if Freedman accepts the role, he will shape the performance structure of the overall sport.
Before thinking of the deal with Saudi Arabia, Doug Freedman had long discussions with Crystal Palace and Manchester United. According to The Guardian, there were talks of United being interested in Doug, but that didn’t work out at all.
What Will Happen If Doug Freedman Accepts The Role?
If Doug Freedman accepts the role, he will be working with Palace as a consultant over next summer, and then make his way to Saudi.
Doug Freedman leaving Crystal Palace will have the club quite vacant, as his shoes are very big to fill. The ability of Freedman to work on a limited budget and find the best players will be hard for others similar individuals to achieve.
If and when Doug moves out, it will be Iain Moody, who will be leading the role, but still he won’t be called as the direct replacement for Freedman.
Crystal Palace Chairman’s Views About Doug Freedman Leaving
As the news of Freedman leaving the club is building up, the chairman of the club, Steve Parish, has acknowledged the recruitment expert. He said that Doug has been instrumental in everything the club has achieved over the years.
Meanwhile, he also added that leaving the club full of exciting players, recruiting them, and making them the best is something that will remain with Palace. Parish also said that the team will work on the foundations built by Doug.
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