Braulio Vázquez leaves Osasuna for Valencia, ‘Cata’ takes sporting director role | OneFootball

Osasuna have announced sporting director Braulio Vázquez has left to join Valencia, with José Antonio Prieto, ‘Cata’, promoted as his replacement.

As reported by AS, Vázquez renewed his deal in March until 2029 and had led the department since 2017. In that time Osasuna made one promotion, returned to Europe and reached a Copa del Rey final, while he oversaw 59 signings and five coaches.

Club president Luis Sabalza spoke at a press conference alongside Vázquez, noting last season’s finish was hard for everyone and stressing calm judgement. He underlined the importance of both Vázquez and Cata, and confirmed Cata takes the job on a permanent basis with full backing.

Sabalza said Vázquez called him, met him in Sangüesa during fiestas, and told him he had accepted Valencia’s offer. The president admitted he did not want this outcome after renewing him months ago, but accepted Valencia is special to Vázquez due to a past spell and family ties, before sharing an emotional embrace.

Vázquez, visibly moved, thanked colleagues, players and staff, saying his years in Pamplona meant more than results. He said he had turned down offers before, did not feel his cycle was over, yet believed now was the moment because Valencia is different for him and he has given his all. He added he faces a difficult challenge, leaves with his head high and lifelong friends, and trusts Cata to lead the club and said it will be in good hands, while admitting he may never be as happy elsewhere.

Source: AS

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”