Roberto Olabe

Aston Villa have pulled off a major coup by naming Roberto Olabe, 57, as their new President of Football Operations, replacing Monchi, who is stepping down for personal reasons after two impactful years. 11 The announcement, confirmed after a rocky start to the 2025-26 Premier League season, sees the former Real Sociedad mastermind reunite with manager Unai Emery, sparking excitement about a new era at Villa Park.

Monchi’s Exit and Villa’s Struggles

Monchi, the architect behind Villa’s Champions League qualification last season, returns to Spain but will remain an advisor to V Sports, the club’s ownership group. 16 His departure comes as Villa languish in 18th place with just three points from five matches, despite big signings like Jadon Sancho and Amadou Onana. 12 Chairman Nassef Sawiris praised Monchi’s “invaluable contribution” but emphasized the need for fresh direction, paving the way for Olabe’s arrival. 11

Who is Roberto Olabe?

A Basque football veteran, Olabe played alongside Emery at Real Sociedad in the 1990s before carving out a stellar career in football management. 9 As Real Sociedad’s sporting director from 2018 to 2025, he orchestrated the rise of talents like Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Isak, and Martin Zubimendi, while leading the club to the 2021 Copa del Rey title. 11 His global experience includes unearthing Moisés Caicedo at Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle and building Qatar’s Aspire Group ahead of the 2022 World Cup. 12 Olabe’s reputation as a talent-spotter made him a target for Arsenal and Real Madrid before Villa secured his signature. 16

The Emery Connection

The Olabe-Emery reunion adds spice to this appointment. The duo debuted together at Real Sociedad in 1995, and Olabe later gave Emery his big break as Almería’s manager in 2006. 15 Emery’s influence was key in bringing Olabe to Villa, a move seen as a vote of confidence in the manager despite the team’s early-season woes. 15 Their shared vision could unlock Villa’s potential, blending Emery’s tactical brilliance with Olabe’s recruitment expertise.

What’s Next for Villa?

Olabe takes charge immediately, with the January transfer window already in focus. His Real Sociedad ties could see targets like winger Jon Aramburu or midfielder Zubimendi linked, while his South American scouting network might unearth the next Caicedo. 18 With V Sports’ backing—evidenced by £50m spent on Onana and £43m on Moussa Diaby—Olabe’s focus on sustainable youth development could stabilize Villa’s campaign and aim for Premier League glory. 16

Fan Buzz and Future Hopes

The X post that broke the news—“Roberto Olabe to Aston Villa, Deal DONE! Ex-Real Sociedad boss (57) replaces Monchi… Emery reunion vibes”—captured the fanbase’s excitement. 1 Olabe’s arrival is a statement of ambition for a club desperate to climb the table. Can he replicate his Sociedad magic and turn Villa into a talent factory? With Emery by his side, the stage is set for something special. Up the Villa!