AliousCrystal Palace Targeting 41-Year-Old to Replace Departing Dougie Freedman
Crystal Palace have wasted no time in their search for a new sporting director, with chairman Steve Parish now considering a 41-year-old candidate to step into Dougie Freedman’s role, according to Sky Sports.
Palace Begin Hunt for New Sporting Director
On Monday evening, it was officially confirmed that Freedman would be departing Selhurst Park to take up a new position overseas, believed to be in Saudi Arabia. The Scottish football figure had been a crucial part of Palace’s football operations since 2017, playing a key role in first-team and academy recruitment.
During his tenure, Freedman played a pivotal role in bringing top talents like Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, and Dean Henderson to the club, helping to shape Crystal Palace’s recent success in the transfer market.
However, with his exit now confirmed, the Eagles have already begun looking for a new leader in recruitment and football strategy.
One of the earliest names linked with the vacancy is Iain Moody, a former Palace sporting director who previously held the role for 11 months between 2013 and 2014.
However, his potential return could prove controversial, as he was forced to resign from the position amid allegations that he sent racist, homophobic, and sexist messages to Malky Mackay—his former colleague at Cardiff City.
Middlesbrough’s Kieran Scott Emerges as a Strong Contender
While Moody is under consideration, Palace and Parish are also keeping other options open. According to Sky Sports, one of the leading candidates is Kieran Scott, who currently serves as Middlesbrough’s head of football.
Scott, who has held the position at Boro since September 2021, has played a major role in restructuring the club’s recruitment strategy, overseeing an impressive squad transformation in recent years.
His success in the transfer market—including identifying and signing talents like Morgan Rogers and Emmanuel Latte Lath—has made him a sought-after figure in football recruitment circles.
Scott is not the only name on Palace’s radar, as Brentford’s Lee Dykes is also under consideration.
However, the interest in Scott comes at a time when Palace is also monitoring several Middlesbrough players ahead of the summer transfer window.
Palace Scouting Middlesbrough Talent
Alongside their pursuit of Scott, Palace are closely tracking several Boro players as potential summer signings. Among them, midfielder Hayden Hackney is of particular interest, with the South London club considering a move for the talented youngster.
Additionally, defender Rav van den Berg has recently emerged as a target, while Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, currently impressing at Middlesbrough, has also caught Palace’s attention.
Scott’s ability to unearth hidden gems and generate significant profits through smart transfers is one of the key reasons Palace may want him at Selhurst Park.
Given his track record at Middlesbrough, bringing him in could boost Palace’s recruitment strategy while ensuring a smoother transition following Freedman’s departure**.
With multiple candidates now in the mix, it remains to be seen who Palace will appoint—but the club’s search for a new sporting director is already shaping up to be a fascinating storyline ahead of the summer transfer window.
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