Monchi set to leave Aston Villa in major development

The Spaniard joined in the summer of 2023 from Sevilla as part of a major restructure under manager Unai Emery.

But he is now poised to depart in a further twist to a season which has begun badly, with Villa failing to win any of their first six matches.

Monchi, who earned a reputation as one of the best talent-spotters in Europe during two stints with Sevilla, was poached by Villa from the Spanish club in June, 2023.

He was actually Emery's second-choice to lead the club's recruitment, after the manager was given permission by Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris to reshape the football department. 

Villa moved for Monchi after their first-choice, Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany, rejected Villa's approach.

Monchi had previously worked with Emery at Sevilla during the latter's three Europa League title wins and his time at Villa has coincided with some of the club's greatest moments in recent history.

But their record in the transfer market has been patchy. Morgan Rogers, signed from Middlesbrough for an initial £8million, has been a huge success, along with free transfer capture Youri Tielemans.

Yet some of their most expensive signings during Monchi's time have disappointed. Moussa Diaby, signed for £43m from Bayer Leverkusen, was sold after just one season, while record buy Amadou Onana has struggled for consistency fitness after joining from Everton for £50m.

Only two of the starting XI from Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland were signed since Emery and Monchi joined the club.

Villa and Monchi have been working under considerable spending restrictions, with the club having to stay within both the Premier League and Uefa's financial fair play limits.