Various titles like sporting director, director of football, head of football operations, or technical director abound, but these individuals hold the real power within English clubs. The true masterminds often operate in the shadows, leaving managers to face the spotlight and criticism.
These professionals are responsible for the monumental decisions that shape the long-term futures of their teams.
Arsenal - Andrea Berta
Andrea Berta, aged 54, took on the role of sporting director for Arsenal in 2025, succeeding Edu. Previously, he worked in banking and held senior positions at Carpenedolo, Parma, and Genoa, before spending 12 years with Atletico Madrid. Berta played a pivotal role in assembling the squad under Diego Simeone, having been involved in transfers for players like Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, and Jan Oblak.
Aston Villa - Roberto Olabe
After Monchi's departure, Aston Villa owners backed manager Unai Emery, allowing him to build the team as he saw fit. In late 2025, former player Roberto Olabe was appointed head of football operations. At 58, Olabe had previously played alongside Emery at Real Sociedad and is known for elevating the Basque club through signings like Alexander Isak and Martin Zubimendi.
He collaborates closely with the director of football operations, Damian Vidagani, who, according to The Athletic, serves as "Emery's eyes and ears, bridging the gap between football and non-football departments, as well as the dressing room and the hierarchy."
Bournemouth - Tiago Pinto
Tiago Pinto, 41, formerly of Benfica as director of football and general manager at Roma, became head of football operations for the Cherries in 2024, working alongside technical director Matt Ritchie.
Brentford - Phil Giles
Phil Giles has held the director of football position for over a decade. The former Newcastle season ticket holder with a PhD in statistics follows a strict data-driven management model, with technical director Lee Dyke managing player recruitment.
Brighton - Mike Cave
Mike Cave was appointed sporting director in July 2026, stepping in for Jason Eytho, who reportedly left over disagreements regarding Brighton's statistical model.
Chelsea - Paul Winstanley
Chelsea's approach remains unique, with Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart co-directing sporting operations. They oversee a five-person sporting hierarchy that includes scouting director Joe Shields, global recruitment director Sam Jewell, and Dave Fallows, who joined from Liverpool in 2025 to manage football development.
Coventry City - Dean Austin
The former Spurs and Crystal Palace defender became sporting director in the summer of 2026, managing all football processes and scouting.
Crystal Palace - Matt Hobbs
Matt Hobbs was appointed sporting director in 2025 after three years in a similar role at Wolves, filling the position left by Dougie Friedman's departure.
Everton - Leadership Group
Following Kevin Thelwell's departure in 2025, Everton adopted a collective leadership model. Former Manchester United academy manager Nick Cox became the technical director, while James Smith oversees scouting, Chris Howarth leads football strategy and analytics, and experienced Nick Hammond manages transfer activities.
Fulham - Tony Khan
The son of club owner Shahid Khan, Tony Khan has been involved in transfer dealings since 2016. The 44-year-old balances this role with running the wrestling promotion AEW and his work in the NFL.
Hull City - Okan Ozkan
Okan Ozkan, 35, previously an assistant sports director at Fenerbahce, took over after Jared Dublin's departure.
Ipswich Town - Dmitriy Halayko
Dmitriy Halayko became the director of football operations in 2025, rising from his academy director role.
Leeds United - Adam Underwood
Adam Underwood has been part of Leeds for over a decade before being promoted to sporting director in 2025.
Liverpool - Julian Ward
Julian Ward returned to the sporting director role in September 2026, replacing Richard Hughes, who moved to Saudi Arabia. Ward had rejoined FSG's structure as technical director in 2024.
Manchester City - Hugo Vianna
The former Newcastle midfielder was appointed sporting director in 2024, succeeding Txiki Begiristain. Before his move to England, the 42-year-old had success with Sporting Lisbon.
Manchester United - Jason Wilcox
Following Dan Ashworth's exit in late 2024, Jason Wilcox filled the vacancy, having previously served as director of football at Southampton and overseeing Manchester City's academy alongside current CEO Omar Berrada. Reports suggest Wilcox is facing challenges in his current role.
Newcastle - Ross Wilson
Following a brief spell with Paul Mitchell, Newcastle appointed Ross Wilson in October 2025, luring him from Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest - George Sirianos
In September 2026, Edu left his role overseeing global football for the Forest. His duties were taken over by 36-year-old Sirianos, working alongside technical director Pedro Ferreira.
Sunderland - Florent Ghisolfi
Ghisolfi has been steering the club’s operations since his appointment in 2025, which followed his tenure as sporting director at the Italian club Roma.
Tottenham - Johan Lange
Sporting director Lange worked closely with Fabio Paratici until the latter's move to Fiorentina. The Dane joined the north London outfit from Aston Villa in 2023.
