Dougie Freedman, esteemed Sporting Director of Crystal Palace, is set to leave the Premier League club after seven and a half years to take on the role of head of sport at Al-Diriyah, recently promoted to Saudi Arabia's second division.
Freedman, who has been with Crystal Palace since his days as a player, manager, and finally as Sporting Director, confirmed his departure on March 17, 2025. The 50-year-old has played pivotal roles at the club, accumulating 330 appearances and starting his managerial career there from January 2011 to October 2012. He became the Sporting Director in August 2017, taking charge of football operations, talent identification, player recruitment, and retention for both first-team and Academy.
Under his leadership, Palace maintained its Premier League status and Freedman became known as one of the most respected Sporting Directors, making him the fifth longest-serving director of his kind across the league. His tenure witnessed the recruitment of talented players, including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, and Dean Henderson, setting the foundation for the club’s modern success.
Steve Parish, Chairman of Crystal Palace, expressed deep appreciation for Freedman’s contributions: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and had a huge impact before as manager and player. I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.” Parish highlighted the well-structured department Freedman leaves behind, trusting it will continue to flourish.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Freedman stated, “It’s been an honour to represent the club. To be leaving with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.” He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support, especially for embracing new signings and Academy graduates.
Freedman’s move to Al-Diriyah, owned by the Diriyah Company and backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), marks him as the latest significant name to join the ranks of clubs investing heavily to improve their profiles and performance. There’s also the excitement surrounding Al-Diriyah's recent promotion to the Saudi second division, coupled with their ambitions to position themselves prominently within Saudi football, especially with the 2034 World Cup approaching.
This role is described as multi-faceted, allowing Freedman to influence the performance philosophy across various sports under the Diriyah Company umbrella, which signals growing aspirations beyond just football.
Palace insiders report Iain Moody, who has served as Palace's Head of Recruitment and Performance Analysis, may step up to fill Freedman’s shoes as the search for his permanent successor continues. Moody previously held the position of sporting director for almost a year during the 2013-2014 season before resigning amid controversy.
Freedman left his position at Palace amid reported frustrations with limited budgetary constraints during the January transfer window. His loyalty to the club has been unwavering, even turning down interest from prominent clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle, showing his commitment to Palace whom he left two times, first as manager to Bolton Wanderers, about which he’s said, “I have always regretted.”
Crystal Palace is preparing for its upcoming quarter-final clash against Fulham after the international break, but the focus is shifting toward restructuring the sporting department as Freedman’s departure creates ripples through the club.
The club, now at a turning point, aims to build upon the solid foundation Freedman established, continuing its pursuit of success, engaging fans, and nurturing talent, keeping the spirit alive as Freedman transitions to his new role, inevitably remaining connected to the club he credits so much of his career to.
