Ex-Aston Villa figure appointed sporting director at Burnley's 'sister club' Espanyol
Former Aston Villa figure Monchi has been appointed to the role of sporting director at Espanyol – but it’s currently unclear if he will have any involvement with Burnley.
The 57-year-old will report directly to Alan Pace as well as Espanyol’s CEO Mao Ye Wu, according to a statement from Burnley’s sister club.
It’s understood a re-structuring behind the scenes at Burnley could potentially be on the cards this summer, but there is no mention of the Clarets in the statement.
Pace announced the appointment on X, however, with a picture of him standing alongside Monchi at Burnley’s Gawthorpe training ground.
“Bienvenido Monchi! Looking forward to our journey together. Forever Forward,” he wrote.
The Burnley Express has approached the club for comment.
Monchi now returns to his native Spain, where he enjoyed huge success over two spells with Sevilla, the first one lasting 17 seasons.
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“The addition of Monchi strengthens RCD Espanyol's sports structure with one of the most renowned and prestigious executives in European football,” the La Liga outfit wrote.
“The different sports departments will maintain their current executive management, which will become dependent on the new general sports department headed by Monchi.
“At an organisational level, Monchi will report directly to Mao Ye Wu, CEO of RCD Espanyol, and to Alan Pace, president of RCD Espanyol and Velocity Sports Partners/ALK Capital, the entity's investment group.”
Monchi left Villa in September following the club’s poor start to the season, coupled with criticism over their transfer strategy, having worked in the role of director of football.
The former goalkeeper not only worked with Unai Emery at Villa Park, but also at Sevilla. He also spent time with AS Roma between 2017 and 2019.
Espanyol find themselves just two points above the relegation zone in La Liga following a disastrous second half to the season, having previously been in Champions League contention. They’re without a win in their last 18 games.
Pace completed his takeover of the Catalan outfit in October 2025.
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