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Crystal Palace have confirmed Dougie Freedman’s exit as sporting director amid reports linking him to Saudi Arabian second-tier club Al-Diriyah.
The bombshell news comes a year on from Newcastle United holding talks with the 50-year-old about replacing Dan Ashworth. Toon chiefs announced in a club statement last February that the process to replace Ashworth - who joined and has since left Manchester United - would take place immediately.
Many candidates were considered before the Magpies landed at former Monaco supremo Paul Mitchell. One of those targeted was Freedman, with The Guardian reporting in May that Palace chairman Steve Parish fought to keep him at Selhurst Park.
The Newcastle interest was snubbed but Freedman is now a free agent nine months later after announcing his decision to leave Palace. He told the club website: “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.
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“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.”
Parish also paid tribute to the former Scotland international who played for and managed Palace before moving into the boardroom. He added: “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.”
Various sources now claim Freedman is considering a role at second-tier outfit Al-Diriyah. The Public Investment Fund - the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund and Newcastle’s majority shareholders - own the club through its subsidiary, Diriyah Company.
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