Gourlay takes measured approach to sporting director hire as deadline nears | OneFootball

Ron Gourlay has eased off on appointing a sporting director for the Spanish market, prioritising the right profile over speed as his self-imposed deadline approaches.

According to AS, the CEO of Football initially spoke of completing the hire within 30 to 60 days, but now sees the priority as identifying the correct person. The club stresses there is no rush, pointing to January business that delivered three additions with a Spanish profile, Unai, Sadiq and Guido, all signed for their La Liga output.

The target profile includes command of the Spanish market, an extensive contact book with clubs and agencies, and, crucially, the capacity to act as a bridge between him and Carlos Corberán. Gourlay has held talks with several candidates in recent weeks, fewer than those touted publicly, and some remain under contract, hence the caution.

He also has Kiat Lim’s approval to add another technical figure to the structure, yet considers the most immediate tasks do not necessarily require that director to be in place.

Gourlay plans to open talks shortly to try to extend Guido Rodríguez’s deal or renew Stole Dimitrievski. He has, for now, bought time before deciding on Eray Cömert’s future. Other squad matters are less pressing, either because loans for Unai Núñez, Ramazani or Beltrán lack purchase options, or, in Thierry’s case, because his market is limited.

Source: AS