DOUGIE FREEDMAN has left his role as Crystal Palace sporting director to join a second-tier side in Saudi Arabia.
Palace announced that Freedman would be leaving with immediate effect “to take up a role overseas”.
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It is understood that he is poised to become sporting director of Al-Diriyah – who have just become champions of Saudi’s second division.
Freedman almost left last year for Newcastle – who are part-owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.
But he was persuaded to stay at Selhurst Park by the club’s chairman Steve Parish.
Freedman was also a target for Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked to add the Scot as his head of recruitment.
The former forward spent eight years as a player at Palace after signing from Nottingham Forest in 2000.
He made 320 appearances for the Eagles and returned to the club as manager for a season in 2011.
Freedman also had managerial stints with Bolton and former club Forest before moving into boardroom roles.
He returned to Palace as sporting director in 2017 and was credited for the signings of Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise.
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Freedman was also heavily involved in the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner last year.
But the 50-year-old is believed to have been frustrated with having a limited budget to work with during the January transfer window.
Palace sit 12th in the Premier League – above United – and confirmed Freedman’s exit in a statement online.
Parish said: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player.
“I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future.
“Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I’m sure will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Freedman said: “I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.
“It’s been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the Chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position.
“To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.
“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion – especially with how you’ve helped new signings and Academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.
“Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely.”
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