The former goalkeeper departed Aston Villa last year.

Former Aston Villa director of football operations Monchi has been announced as a the new sporting director of La Liga side Espanyol.

Monchi, who was a highly influential figure at Villa and a close ally of Unai Emery during his time in the West Midlands, left the club in 2025.

During his time at Villa he played a key role in a number of big transfers - and alongside Emery and others in behind the scenes, he turned the club into a regular in European football.

Now it has been confirmed that he will take full control of the sporting departments at Espanyol, who are a sister club to Burnley.

Monchi build his reputation over two decades at Sevilla, where he also worked with Emery. They won seven Europa League titles during Monchi’s time at the club.

He then went on to Roma before his successful spell at Villa.