Monchi has said “yes” to Espanyol – but the deal has two clear conditions

Monchi, one of Spanish football’s most successful sporting directors, has accepted a new project at Espanyol. However, the transfer comes on clear terms: the team must survive in La Liga, while a possible change of power in Sevilla could change everything.

Espanyol is going through a very difficult sporting period. After more than four months without a win, the team is in serious trouble, and a lot is at stake in Saturday’s key match against Sevilla. Blue and White aims to change direction for next season – with several changes in the club’s structure and sporting department.

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The first and most important change: firing a new sporting director. After speculation that he was seen at Barcelona, Monchi has now given his “yes” to Espanyol. He will sign as the club’s new head of the sports department next season.

“The transition is hanging by a thread”

The Gaditan-born was already at the RCDE stadium last weekend, in President Alan Pace’s box, watching the match between Espanyol and Real Madrid. The owners’ intention was clear: to bet on one of the most merited sporting directors in modern football.

According to SPORT, the contacts started several months ago, there have been regular conversations, and Monchi has been present at the stadium on several occasions. It has been Alan Pace himself who has contacted Monchi directly – a sign that the owner is genuinely interested.

Monchi is currently attracted to the project, but has set two conditions for signing.

1. Espanyol must survive in the Primera

Espanyol are currently three points above the relegation zone and the risk of relegation to Segunda is real. Should the team be relegated, the entire agreement falls apart.

2. The sale of Sevilla could change everything

The second condition is about what happens in Seville. There, a sale of the club is underway, and Sergio Ramos is leading a group of investors who want to buy it. Monchi has a very good relationship with Ramos – they already work together at CD San Fernando, the club Monchi is president of.

Should Ramos take over Sevilla, he could choose to offer Monchi a role at the club. If so, the Espanyol deal could collapse.

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Monchi’s controversies: From success to accusations of “cortijo”

Monchi is considered by many to be one of the best sports directors in football history. Under his leadership, Sevilla won two UEFA Cups (now the Europa League), and he became known for buying cheap and selling expensive – with players like Dani Alves and Julio Baptista being the great examples.

But his career has also been marked by controversy.

• The “El Cortijo” accusations: Monchi has been accused of having helped build up a “cortijo” in Seville – a closed system where family, friends and personal interests were prioritized. Critics point to high commissions, lucrative deals and a lack of transparency.
• The break with Sevilla: Monchi left the club in 2023 amid a bitter power struggle with the club management. He refused to pay for the remaining year of his contract – which led to a public quarrel. “Los contratos están para cumplirlos,” wrote Diario de Sevilla at the time.
• Statements that create discord: Monchi has previously stated that he has not received an offer to return to Sevilla, but that he will always listen if Ramos calls. The comments have been interpreted as signals that he is waiting for his return.

“Should have been part of a new hierarchy”

Whatever the outcome, Monchi’s arrival at Espanyol will mark a new era for the club. According to SPORT, his role will be more of a senior director position – similar to the one Mateu Alemany has at Atlético Madrid – with Fernando Navarro as his second-in-command. In addition, there will be a significant investment in player purchases if the team salvages their place.

Espanyol face Sevilla on Saturday in a match that could both decide their fate this year – and in the years to come.