Former Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman is said to be considering taking up a role in Saudi Arabia after leaving Crystal Palace.
Freedman joined Palace as sporting director in 2017 and was a key figure in signing the likes of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Romain Esse. But in a statement, the Premier League outfit have now confirmed his departure.
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. 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 had two spells as a player at Selhurst Park and also a stint as manager there, in 2011. He said: “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.”
Freedman made 70 league appearances for Forest as a player. He returned for a spell in the dugout from 2016 to 2016, replacing Stuart Pearce at the helm.
Having left Palace, he is now said to be set to take up a role overseas. According to the BBC, Freedman is considering taking up a position in Saudi Arabia.
The 50-year-old has reportedly been offered the role of head of sport with the Diriyah Company, which owns Saudi second division side Al-Diriyah. The BBC add: “The role is believed to be a multi-discipline one in which he would shape the performance philosophy of up to seven other sports under the Diriyah Company umbrella.”
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Freedman is said to have been aware of the interest for some time. He had previously been linked with taking up positions at Manchester United and Newcastle United.
It has been claimed Iain Moody, who works closely with Palace's recruitment operation on a consultancy basis, will undertake a more prominent position at the club. However, he will not be a direct replacement for Freedman.
What did you make of Freedman's spell as Forest boss? Click HERE to have your say