Overview

• Monchi confirmed his departure was amicable and said it was the right moment to leave after completing a difficult, FFP‑constrained summer window.
• He will remain an advisor to V Sports as Olabe takes charge of football operations with immediate effect.
• Unai Emery said he trusts Olabe and expects continuity, speaking after Villa’s 1-0 Europa League opener win over Bologna that followed a winless five‑match league start.
• Villa’s limited summer business included permanent deals for Evann Guessand and Marco Bizot, loans for Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho, and a free transfer for Victor Lindelöf. Co‑owner Nassef Sawiris welcomed Olabe for his eye for talent, while Olabe’s Real Sociedad tenure featured academy promotions and successful signings such as Alexander Isak, Martin Ødegaard, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Merino.