Simon Jordan makes ‘hyped up’ Monchi claim as Aston Villa exit beckons
Aston Villa director of football operations Monchi is set to leave after more than two years.
The Spaniard has been responsible for plenty of strong signings over the years and has helped guide the Villans to a Champions League finish.
Monchi is expected to return to Spain, where he became the leader of a project created to save his boyhood club, San Fernando Club Deportivo.
Speculation has begun over whether Unai Emery’s position at Aston Villa could also come under threat following the departure of his right-hand man.
Simon Jordan gives his thoughts on Monchi’s departure
Monchi’s expected departure has prompted plenty of reaction from Aston Villa fans.
Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has been critical of Monchi’s recruitment over the years and believes it is the right time for him to leave.
- Aston Villa have scored just one league goal this season
- Emery’s side managed to accumulate fewer expected goals than Sunderland at the weekend, despite having a man advantage
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has conflicting opinions on directors of football and believes they can be unfairly rated.
Speaking on TalkSPORT on 23 September, Jordan said: “I think a lot of these guys get hyped up in circumstances that they didn’t earn.
“Once upon a time, the director of football at Leicester was considered to be the best because of all the recruitment that ended up winning the Premier League.
“He then went on to Everton and didn’t do very well.”
All eyes are now on who the Villans could appoint next, with Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe a long-term target for Villa and Emery.
- Read more: Exclusive: Unai Emery on the brink as four senior Aston Villa stars fall out with manager
Who are Monchi’s best Aston Villa signings?
Monchi oversaw the signing of Harvey Elliott over the summer.
The attacker was seen as a statement signing by the Villans, and came as a surprise, given their financial situation.
Aston Villa have developed a reputation over the years of making statement signings and managing to keep them quiet.
Signings by Villa under Monchi:
- Morgan Rogers – £8million, Middlesbrough
- Amadou Onana – £50million, Everton
- Pau Torres – £32million, Villarreal
- Marco Asensio – Loan, PSG
Emery had a long-term relationship with Monchi, having spent time together at Sevilla in a successful period where the Spaniards won three consecutive Europa League titles.
However, Villa’s manager also has a strong friendship with potential replacement Olabe, with the pair playing together at Real Sociedad.
Therefore, supporters shouldn’t worry too much about Emery following Monchi out of the exit door at Villa Park.
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