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 the transfer market’s intricate dance. 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

Chelsea: Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley

Chelsea’s decision to appoint two sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, has raised eyebrows across Europe. The club has been vague about their specific roles, but it’s clear they’re involved in scouting, recruitment, and transfer strategy. Stewart, with experience as Monaco’s technical director and Red Bull Soccer International’s global head of scouting, 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. Recent signings like Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo have shown promise, indicating that the club’s strategy is starting to pay off.

• Key skills: Stewart and Winstanley have a vast network for identifying global talent, backed by owners willing to invest in youth.
• Priority tasks for January: Offloading French center-backs Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile, and finding loan opportunities for midfielders Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka. Mykhailo Mudryk also needs regular first-team football.
• Top signing: Palmer’s £40m move from Manchester City in 2023 has been a success.

Manchester City: Txiki Begiristain

Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s sporting director, has been a pivotal figure in the club’s success over the past decade. His role in bringing manager Pep Guardiola to the club in 2016 was crucial. Together with CEO Ferran Soriano, they form a formidable leadership trio. Begiristain’s influence extends across the City Football Group’s 13 clubs, ensuring a cohesive footballing strategy.

As Begiristain prepares to step down, with Hugo Viana announced as his successor, City’s recent struggles might see him more active in the January window. His extensive network and experience make him a respected figure in the football world.

• Key skills: Discreet and highly respected, Begiristain has unmatched experience and the backing of a successful club.
• Priority tasks for January: A No. 6 midfielder to cover for Rodri and a center-forward to support Erling Haaland are priorities. Defensive depth is also needed.
• Top signing: The €76m acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne from VfL Wolfsburg in 2015 was a masterstroke.

Liverpool: Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards returned to Liverpool in March, taking on the role of managing director of professional football. Known for his analytical approach, Edwards has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success. His influence was key in appointing Arne Slot as head coach after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.

Edwards’ focus on analytics and teamwork has earned him respect both within and outside the club. His return has brought stability to Liverpool’s football operations.

• Key skills: A pioneer in analytics, Edwards values coherent teamwork in recruitment.
• Priority tasks for January: New contracts for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are top priorities. Defensive reinforcements and a central midfielder are also on the agenda.
• Top signing: Salah’s €42m move from AS Roma in 2017 is one of the best signings in history.

Tottenham: Johan Lange

Johan Lange, Tottenham’s technical director, has taken a more process-driven approach since joining from Aston Villa. Unlike his predecessor Fabio Paratici, Lange focuses on aligning the club’s footballing structure rather than shadowing the first team.

Lange’s strategic vision is evident in his recruitment of young talent like Lucas Bergvall. However, Tottenham’s current injury crisis might require a temporary shift in strategy this January.

• Key skills: Analytical and strategic, Lange prioritizes long-term goals over short-term results.
• Priority tasks for January: A backup goalkeeper, defensive reinforcements, and possibly a new head coach if results don’t improve.
• Top signing: While at Villa, Lange signed Ollie Watkins from Brentford for £28m in 2020.

Aston Villa: Monchi

Monchi, Aston Villa’s managing director of professional football, is renowned for his transfer market acumen. His success at Sevilla, where he discovered stars like Jesús Navas and Sergio Ramos, has inspired many in the football world.

At Villa, Monchi has taken a more conservative approach, focusing on established talent like Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans. With key players returning from injury, Villa might only make minor changes in January.

• Key skills: Monchi’s experience and eye for talent are unmatched, and he builds strong relationships with coaches and owners.
• Priority task for January: With key players returning, Villa might only make cosmetic changes, giving Monchi a chance to find the next big superstar.
• Top signing: Signing Jules Koundé for Sevilla from Bordeaux for €35m in 2019 was a masterstroke.

Newcastle United: Paul Mitchell

Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s sporting director, joined the club after a successful stint at Monaco. Known for his scouting prowess, Mitchell has yet to make a significant impact at Newcastle due to financial constraints.

Mitchell’s focus is on trimming the squad and reinvesting wisely. His experience and clear footballing philosophy make him a valuable asset to the club.

• Key skills: Mitchell’s expertise in the transfer market and his clear footballing philosophy are his strengths.
• Priority tasks for January: Raising funds and reinvesting wisely to satisfy the club’s ambitious owners.
• Top signing: As a scout, he spotted Son Heung-Min and persuaded Tottenham to sign him.

Europe

Real Madrid: Florentino Perez

Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s president, has left an indelible mark on the club’s transfer history. Since his election in 2000, Perez has brought in world stars like David Beckham, Luis Figo, and Luka Modric.

Despite financial challenges, Perez continues to build a formidable team with players like Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham. His influence is unmatched in the football world.

• Key skills: Perez’s leadership and vision have made him the most prestigious club president in modern football.
• Priority tasks for January: Defensive reinforcements and a loan move for Endrick are on the agenda.
• Top signing: The €94m move for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 was a landmark deal.

Barcelona: Deco

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, faces financial constraints but leverages the club’s La Masia academy to bring through talent like Gavi and Lamine Yamal. His experience as an agent is invaluable in navigating the transfer market.

Deco’s focus is on free transfers and loans, with the club’s debt limiting their ability to compete for top talent.

• Key skills: Deco’s reputation and experience as an agent give him significant negotiating power.
• Priority tasks for January: Defensive depth and long-term planning for a successor to Robert Lewandowski.
• Top signing: The €55m spent on Dani Olmo was a smart move.

Atlético Madrid: Andrea Berta

Andrea Berta, Atlético Madrid’s sporting director, 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, with a preference for those who fit Simeone’s system. His experience in completing complex deals is invaluable.

• Key skills: Berta’s experience and ability to complete complex deals make him a valuable asset.
• Priority tasks for January: Defensive reinforcements to cover for Robin Le Normand‘s absence.
• Top signing: Jan Oblak‘s move from Benfica for €4m was a bargain.

Paris Saint-Germain: Luis Campos

Luis Campos, PSG’s strategic adviser, is known for his eye for talent. His work at Monaco and Lille laid the foundation for title-winning teams. At PSG, Campos focuses on young talent rather than established stars.

Campos’ contract expires in the summer, and rumors suggest he might replace Edu at Arsenal. His attention to detail and technical scouting skills are highly regarded.

• Key skills: Campos’ technical scouting skills and focus on young talent are his strengths.
• Priority tasks for January: Adding a winger and center-forward, and parting ways with Randal Kolo Muani and Milan Skriniar.
• Top signing: Campos brought Victor Osimhen to Lille for €22.4m.

Bayern Munich: Max Eberl

Max Eberl, Bayern Munich’s sporting CEO, has brought stability to the club. His experience at Borussia Mönchengladbach and RB Leipzig has prepared him for the challenges at Bayern.

Eberl’s focus is on extending contracts for key players like Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich. His management skills are well-suited to Bayern’s high-pressure environment.

• Key skills: Eberl’s pragmatic leadership and management skills are his strengths.
• Priority tasks for January: Contract extensions for key players are a priority.
• Top signing: Eberl’s discovery of Marco Reus at Borussia Mönchengladbach was a coup.

Borussia Dortmund: Sebastian Kehl

Sebastian Kehl, Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, faces challenges as the club undergoes management changes. His focus is on maintaining Dortmund’s reputation for developing young talent.

Kehl’s priority is to add an attack-minded central midfielder and manage potential departures. His experience and the club’s allure make him a valuable asset.

• Key skills: Dortmund’s reputation for developing young talent is a key asset for Kehl.
• Priority tasks for January: Adding a central midfielder and managing potential departures.
• Top signing: Kehl’s acquisition of Serhou Guirassy has been a success.

Juventus: Cristiano Giuntoli

Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’ technical director, is rebuilding the club after financial challenges. His success at Napoli, where he discovered stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has prepared him for the task.

Giuntoli’s focus is on sustainable talent-based recruitment. His negotiation skills and ability to build successful teams are highly regarded.

• Key skills: Giuntoli’s negotiation skills and ability to build successful teams are his strengths.
• Priority tasks for January: Defensive reinforcements and attacking options are needed.
• Top signing: Giuntoli’s discovery of Kvaratskhelia at Napoli was a masterstroke.

Inter Milan: Piero Ausilio

Piero Ausilio, Inter Milan’s sporting director, has been instrumental in the club’s success. His focus on established talent and ability to regenerate squads have kept Inter competitive.

Ausilio’s priority is to maintain squad balance and make strategic signings. His experience and survival skills make him a valuable asset.

• Key skills: Ausilio’s ability to regenerate squads and maintain competitiveness is well-documented.
• Priority task for January: Defensive reinforcements might be needed.
• Top signing: Lautaro Martínez‘s move from Racing Club was a bargain.

AC Milan: Geoffrey Moncada

Geoffrey Moncada, AC Milan’s technical director, is known for his scouting expertise. His focus on blending traditional scouting with analytics has been key to Milan’s success.

Moncada’s priority is to strengthen the squad with a high-scoring center-forward and dynamic midfielder. His knowledge of the French market has been invaluable.

• Key skills: Moncada’s blend of traditional scouting and analytics is his strength.
• Priority tasks for January: Strengthening the squad with a center-forward and midfielder.
• Top signing: Rafael Leão‘s move from Lille was a smart investment.