AliousCrystal Palace have officially announced the departure of sporting director Dougie Freedman, with the former Scotland international set to take up a new position at a recently promoted club in Saudi Arabia’s football system.
In an unexpected development, the club confirmed on Monday evening that Freedman was leaving with immediate effect to take on a role abroad. Reports indicate that he is set to become the sporting director of Al-Diriyah, a team that had been competing in Saudi Arabia’s second tier but recently secured promotion as league champions. The club underwent a significant change in ownership last July when control was transferred to Diriyah Company, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serving as chairman.
Freedman had been on the verge of leaving for Newcastle United—another club partially owned by PIF—last year but was convinced to remain at Selhurst Park by Palace chairman Steve Parish. However, despite playing a key role in the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner, the 50-year-old is believed to have grown frustrated by the financial limitations imposed on him during the January transfer window. Freedman, who had two separate playing spells at Palace before managing the club in 2011, previously left under contentious circumstances in 2012 to take charge of Bolton Wanderers while Palace were pushing for promotion—a decision he has since admitted to regretting.
With Freedman’s exit, former Palace sporting director Iain Moody has emerged as a possible candidate to replace him. Moody previously held the position for nearly a year before resigning amid allegations of sharing offensive messages while working with Malky Mackay at Cardiff City.
Reflecting on Freedman’s departure, Parish praised his contributions to the club over the years. “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and had a significant impact even before that as a manager and player,” he said. “I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him all the best for the future. He leaves behind a strong and well-organized sporting department that I’m confident will continue to grow.”
During his tenure as sporting director, Freedman earned recognition for identifying and signing talents such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton from the Championship, significantly shaping the club’s squad.
In his farewell statement, Freedman expressed gratitude for his time at the club. “I would like to thank Steve Parish, the other owners, and everyone I’ve worked with, including staff, managers, and players. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and collaborating with you all,” he said.
“To be leaving with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager gives me confidence that the club is in a strong position to build on these foundations.”
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