Aston Villa’s Monchi replacement is obvious: Unai Emery must get on phone to ex-Newcastle United director
Who could replace Monchi at Aston Villa after surprise decision is communicated.
Aston Villa and Monchi, the president of football operations, have parted ways with immediate effect in what is set to be a major reshuffle in the club’s hierarchy.
Following a hugely disappointing start to the 2025/26 season, Monchi has packed his bags and will have no further involvement with Villa. The 56-year-old has been a close ally of Unai Emery throughout the years but the pair will now say their farewells to one another as Monchi moves onto pastures new.
Scrutiny from supporters had been growing as Monchi, heavily involved in Villa’s transfer business since his arrival in June 2023, was unable to maintain a great strike rate with his signings. Of the 26 new additions brought in during Monchi’s tenure, you could argue that only Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres have been true triumphs.
Villa are yet to announce Monchi’s departure but Birmingham World understands the decision will be communicated imminently. It awaits to be seen where Monchi, who helped Sevilla win four Europa League titles across two spells, will end up next. There’s no doubting the technical director’s capabilities but it hasn’t worked out as hoped at Villa Park.
Aston Villa can now target former Newcastle director
Who could Villa turn to after Monchi, then? Well, one option could be to promote current director of football Damian Vidagany. That could make sense as Vidagany, Emery’s right-hand man in press conferences and a helper in much of the transfer business, is already well-accustomed to the club’s recruitment strategy.
But, given Villa’s struggles in the transfer market of late, it could be better to venture on a new path entirely. And there’s just the man for the job who is available on the market: former England, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United technical director Dan Ashworth.
Currently unemployed following his October 2024 departure from Manchester United, Ashworth boasts an impressive CV. The 54-year-old, formerly of Peterborough United, Cambridge United and West Bromwich Albion before he was appointed England’s FA director of elite development in 2012, has experienced so much at the summit of the English game.
Ashworth really strutted his stuff at Brighton between 2019 and 2022, playing a key role in signing the likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Kaoru Mitoma, Marc Cucurella, Leandro Trossard and Jan Paul Van Hecke, among others.
Newcastle, keen to repeat Albion’s success in the market, turned to Ashworth in 2022. In just two years at St. James’ Park, Ashworth helped the Toon complete the signings of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Nick Pope and many more.
It all depends whether Emery, who prefers to sign proven talents rather than up-and-coming prospects, believes he can align with Ashworth’s differing strategy. It could be tricky to reach a compromise in that sense, but it’s become abundantly clear that Villa need a change in direction. Emery, ultimately the man with the final say, just needs to see the light.
Why Ashworth left Man Utd
There may be concerns over Ashworth’s Man Utd exit as he left after merely five months at Old Trafford. According to BBC Sport, United chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe was frustrated at how long it took to acquire Ashworth’s services, as he was on gardening leave from Newcastle for half a year. He then ironically spent less time than that on United’s board.
It remains unknown exactly why Ashworth left Man Utd, but BBC Sport’s report suggests it was a mutual call. It’s claimed the decision was ‘difficult but was made collaboratively following a period of transition, with the new ownership still trying to work out the best structure for the club’.
Ashworth oversaw the sacking of Erik ten Hag and the appointment of Ruben Amorim, which cost a stunning £25 million combined. But, as is the case with many players and managers who step through the doors at Old Trafford, it’s not always their fault directly. Man Utd, 15th-placed finishers last season, have become a graveyard for talent in recent years.
Villa have contacted Roberto Olabe as a potential replacement for Monchi, but Ashworth is available and could be the ideal target if they decide to change up their approach.