Who are the ‘transfer gurus’ running your club’s January business?

The January Transfer Window: Meet the Transfer Gurus Behind the Scenes

As the January transfer window approaches, the spotlight often shines on the players who might be on the move. But what about the masterminds behind these deals? The sporting directors, managing directors, and club presidents are the unsung heroes who orchestrate these transfers. While some clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United are currently without a sporting director, others have key figures ready to make waves. Let’s dive into the world of these transfer gurus and see who might be making headlines this January.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Sporting Directors, Chelsea

Chelsea’s decision to appoint two sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, has raised eyebrows across Europe. While the club has been vague about their specific roles, it’s clear that both are heavily involved in scouting, recruitment, and transfer strategy. Stewart, with experience as a technical director at Monaco and global head of scouting at Red Bull Soccer International, brings a wealth of knowledge. Winstanley, formerly Brighton’s head of recruitment, complements Stewart’s expertise.

Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea has spent over €1.3 billion in the past 2½ years, bringing in elite young talent. Despite initial challenges, the club’s recent form and the development of players like Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo suggest that the strategy is paying off.

• Key skills: Stewart and Winstanley have a vast network for talent identification and benefit from owners willing to invest in youth.
• Priority tasks for January: Offloading players like Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile, and finding loan opportunities for Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka.
• Top signing: Palmer’s £40m move from Manchester City has been a success.

Txiki Begiristain, Sporting Director, Manchester City

Txiki Begiristain has been a pivotal figure at Manchester City since 2012, playing a crucial role in the club’s success. His partnership with manager Pep Guardiola and CEO Ferran Soriano has been instrumental in City’s achievements. Begiristain’s experience from his time at Barcelona has been invaluable, and his network of contacts is unmatched.

With Begiristain set to leave at the end of the season, his final months might see more activity than usual, especially given City’s recent struggles.

• Key skills: Discreet and respected, Begiristain has extensive experience and the backing of a successful club.
• Priority tasks for January: Finding a No. 6 midfielder and a centre-forward to support Erling Haaland.
• Top signing: The €76m acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne from VfL Wolfsburg in 2015.

Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Professional Football, Liverpool

Michael Edwards returned to Liverpool in March, taking on a role similar to a sporting CEO. With a strong track record from his previous stint at the club, Edwards is a key figure in Liverpool’s football operations. His analytical approach and focus on teamwork have earned him respect both within and outside the club.

• Key skills: Respected for his analytical approach and teamwork.
• Priority tasks for January: Securing new contracts for key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
• Top signing: Salah’s €42m move from AS Roma in 2017.

Johan Lange, Technical Director, Tottenham

Johan Lange has been a steady presence at Tottenham since joining from Aston Villa. Unlike his predecessor Fabio Paratici, Lange focuses on long-term strategy rather than immediate transfers. His approach has been to align the club’s footballing structure, though he operates with a weaker mandate than Paratici.

• Key skills: Analytical and strategic, Lange focuses on long-term goals.
• Priority tasks for January: Finding a backup goalkeeper and adding depth to the defense and midfield.
• Top signing: While at Villa, Lange signed Ollie Watkins from Brentford for £28m.

Monchi, Managing Director of Professional Football, Aston Villa

Monchi, a legendary figure in the transfer market, has brought his expertise to Aston Villa. Known for his ability to discover talent, Monchi has made a positive impact since joining the club. His conservative approach reflects the competitive nature of modern scouting, but his network remains unparalleled.

• Key skills: Extensive experience and a keen eye for talent.
• Priority task for January: With key players returning from injury, Villa might only make minor changes.
• Top signing: Signing Jules Koundé for Sevilla from Bordeaux for €35m.

Paul Mitchell, Sporting Director, Newcastle United

Paul Mitchell, a highly regarded figure in the football world, joined Newcastle United following Dan Ashworth’s departure. With experience at Tottenham, Southampton, and Monaco, Mitchell is well-equipped to handle the challenges at Newcastle. His focus is on trimming the squad and reinvesting wisely.

• Key skills: Expert knowledge of the transfer market and a clear footballing philosophy.
• Priority tasks for January: Raising funds and reinvesting wisely to satisfy the club’s ambitious owners.
• Top signing: As a scout, he identified Son Heung-Min for Tottenham.

EUROPE

Florentino Perez, President, Real Madrid

Florentino Perez, the iconic president of Real Madrid, has left an indelible mark on the club’s transfer history. Since 2000, Perez has brought in numerous world-class players, solidifying Madrid’s status as a football powerhouse. His leadership has been instrumental in the club’s success, and he continues to build a new generation of stars.

• Key skills: A visionary leader with unmatched influence in the football world.
• Priority tasks for January: Strengthening the defense and organizing a loan move for Endrick.
• Top signing: The €94m acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

Deco, Sporting Director, Barcelona

Deco, a former player turned sporting director, faces the challenge of navigating Barcelona’s financial constraints. Despite limited resources, Deco’s experience as an agent and his reputation in the football world provide him with significant negotiating power. His focus is on free transfers and loans, leveraging Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.

• Key skills: A respected figure with a strong reputation from his playing days.
• Priority tasks for January: Adding depth in defense and planning for the future beyond Robert Lewandowski.
• Top signing: The €55m acquisition of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.

Andrea Berta, Sporting Director, Atlético Madrid

Andrea Berta, a long-serving sporting director at Atlético Madrid, has been a key figure in the club’s success. His close relationship with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and head coach Diego Simeone has provided stability. Berta’s focus is on tried-and-tested players, aligning with Simeone’s philosophy.

• Key skills: Extensive experience in completing complex deals.
• Priority tasks for January: Strengthening the defense in the title race with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
• Top signing: The €4m acquisition of Jan Oblak from Benfica.

Luis Campos, Strategic Adviser, Paris Saint-Germain

Luis Campos, known for his talent-spotting abilities, serves as a strategic adviser at Paris Saint-Germain. His focus on young talent aligns with PSG’s shift away from established stars. Campos’s contract is set to expire in the summer, sparking rumors of a potential move to Arsenal.

• Key skills: A sharp executive with a focus on technical scouting.
• Priority tasks for January: Adding a winger and centre-forward, and addressing the futures of Randal Kolo Muani and Milan Skriniar.
• Top signing: The acquisition of Victor Osimhen for €22.4m while at Lille.

Max Eberl, Sporting CEO, Bayern Munich

Max Eberl, a seasoned professional, has brought stability to Bayern Munich since joining in March 2024. His management skills and experience have been crucial in navigating the club’s high-pressure environment. Eberl’s focus is on extending contracts for key players and supporting head coach Vincent Kompany.

• Key skills: A pragmatic leader with a blend of scouting and negotiating expertise.
• Priority tasks for January: Extending contracts for Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich.
• Top signing: The acquisition of Marco Reus for €1m while at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Sebastian Kehl, Sporting Director, Borussia Dortmund

Sebastian Kehl, facing scrutiny at Borussia Dortmund, is navigating a challenging environment. With a crowded hierarchy, Kehl’s autonomy is limited, but he benefits from Dortmund’s reputation for developing young talent. His focus is on spending wisely and addressing the club’s needs.

• Key skills: Experience in fast-tracking young players and leveraging Dortmund’s allure.
• Priority tasks for January: Adding an attack-minded central midfielder and finding a loan move for Giovanni Reyna.
• Top signing: The acquisition of Serhou Guirassy for €18m.

Cristiano Giuntoli, Technical Director, Juventus

Cristiano Giuntoli, known for his success at Napoli, is tasked with rebuilding Juventus. His focus on a sustainable, talent-based model is a departure from the club’s previous star-chasing policy. Giuntoli’s diplomatic skills and negotiation prowess are key to his success.

• Key skills: Diplomatic and skilled in negotiations, with a track record of building successful teams.
• Priority tasks for January: Defensive reinforcements and exploring attacking options.
• Top signing: The acquisition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for €13.3m while at Napoli.

Piero Ausilio, Sporting Director, Inter Milan

Piero Ausilio, a long-serving figure at Inter Milan, has been instrumental in the club’s success. His ability to identify and attract talent has been key, and his focus is on maintaining a well-balanced squad. Ausilio’s experience and survival skills have kept him at the club for nearly two decades.

• Key skills: Craftsmanship and the ability to regenerate squads while remaining competitive.
• Priority task for January: Potentially adding a centre-back, though significant business is unlikely.
• Top signing: The acquisition of Lautaro Martínez for €25m.

Geoffrey Moncada, Technical Director, AC Milan

Geoffrey Moncada, a young and talented technical director, has been a key figure at AC Milan. His blend of traditional scouting methods and cutting-edge analytics has been instrumental in the club’s success. Despite recent challenges, Moncada’s knowledge of the French market and his scouting expertise remain valuable assets.

• Key skills: In-depth knowledge of football markets and a blend of traditional and modern scouting methods.
• Priority tasks for January: Seeking a high-scoring centre-forward and dynamic central midfielder.
• Top signing: The acquisition of Rafael Leão for €49.5m.