Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of Monchi as president of football operations with immediate effect.
Former Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe will take over from Monchi, who has been at Villa Park since 2023.
Monchi played a role in Villa securing Champions League football before they finished sixth last season.
However, Unai Emery’s side are without a win in their first five fixtures and are 18th in the Premier League table. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford.
Aston Villa today announces changes to its Sporting Organisational structure.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 23, 2025
Olabe, 57, spent seven years at Real Sociedad before his exit from the LaLiga club at the end of last season.
“Firstly, I would like to thank Monchi for his hard work and invaluable contribution as president of football operations during an exciting period at Aston Villa,” said chairman Nassef Sawiris.
“His commitment and vision has directly contributed to the club’s recent successes, reaching the quarter-final of the Champions League as well as qualifying for Europe for three consecutive seasons.
“We are delighted that Roberto is joining Aston Villa. He has built a reputation as someone who can spot talent that can be developed and we look forward to supporting him to achieve the ambitions we have for V Sports and Aston Villa.”
Monchi said: “I would like to thank everyone connected with Aston Villa for the support and warmth they have shown me since I joined the club, especially Unai and (director of football operations) Damian (Vidagany) who I have worked especially closely with over these last two years.
“I must also thank our owners, Nassef Sawiris, Wes Edens and Michael Angelakis for their confidence and their support. I would also like to say a special thank you to all the staff at Aston Villa as well as the players.”
Aston Villa face Bologna in the opening match of their Europa League campaign on Thursday before they return to Premier League action against Fulham on Sunday.
