Dougie Freedman has left his position as sporting director at Crystal Palace to take up a new role abroad. The former Scotland international is expected to join Al-Diriyah, a club that recently earned promotion from Saudi Arabia’s third division.
In an unexpected development, the London club announced that Freedman was departing immediately “to take up a role overseas.” His new position is believed to be sporting director at Al-Diriyah, who secured promotion as champions at the weekend. The club’s ownership changed hands in July, coming under the control of Diriyah Company, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as chairman.
Freedman was previously linked with a move to Newcastle, who are also partially owned by PIF, but remained at Crystal Palace after discussions with club chairman Steve Parish. However, despite playing a key role in hiring manager Oliver Glasner last year, he is understood to have grown frustrated with financial constraints during the January transfer window. His history with the club includes two playing spells, as well as a managerial stint that began in 2011 and ended in 2012 when he moved to Bolton while Palace were in contention for promotion. He later expressed regret over that decision.
Iain Moody, who previously served as Palace’s sporting director before stepping down amid controversy, is reportedly a candidate to replace Freedman in the role.
Reflecting on Freedman’s contributions, Parish credited him with shaping the club’s sporting department and influencing major decisions over the past eight years. His ability to identify and recruit top talent from the Championship, including players like Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton, has been widely recognized.
Freedman expressed his gratitude to the club’s leadership, staff, managers, and players, stating that he had enjoyed his time at Selhurst Park. He also voiced confidence in the team’s current direction, highlighting the strong foundation in place under the guidance of Glasner.
