The job of a Premier League sporting director is certainly precarious as Dan Ashworth found out at Manchester United and one of his contemporaries has now chosen to leave his role
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Updated 08:28, 18 Mar 2025
Dougie Freedman
Dougie Freedman has left Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman has left the club after eight years after accepting a job in Saudi Arabia. The 50-year-old has caught the eye with his work at Selhurst Park having helped establish them as a Premier League club.
He was once courted by Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he spearheaded a behind-the-scenes revamp at Old Trafford. A move to United never came to fruition, with the club instead moving for ex-Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth, albeit he has already left.
And Freedman has now followed suit by leaving Palace, with reports suggesting that he is set to accept a role with Saudi second division side, Al-Diriyah. Palace released a statement on Monday confirming his exit.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “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.
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“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 also gave an emotional farewell to the South London club. He 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.
Dougie Freedman
Dougie Freedman is reportedly set to take a role in Saudi Arabia
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“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, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”
Freedman has been key to Palace’s success over recent years having played a pivotal role in the signings of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson, among others. He leaves Palace sitting 12th in the Premier League this season.
Oliver Glasner’s side have an outside chance of European football come the end of the season, with 11th place in the league potentially set to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
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