Aston Villa's football operations chief Roberto Olabe has been given the green light to lead the club's January transfer window activity. The former Real Sociedad sporting director, who replaced Monchi in September, will work alongside director of football operations Damian Vidagany and manager Unai Emery.
Olabe compared the upcoming transfer window to Christmas, expressing excitement about potential moves. However, he emphasised that Villa's spending will be limited unless funds are generated through player sales, following a restrained summer window.
Speaking to Villa TV, Olabe said: 'The most important is what we have. We are really satisfied with the players that we have working with our staff, with the manager, with Unai. But it's true that our mentality is to try to improve, to find some solutions that will help us.'
He added: 'If we have a window, if we have a market, we have an opportunity to be better. But again, we will be better just in case that our solid base of players will develop his skills and his qualities. I believe absolutely in our manager doing the job that he is doing with the actual squad.'
Addressing financial regulations, Olabe stressed the need to respect Premier League and UEFA rules. 'We need to adapt the way that we have to be in the market. But it's important also, because the prestige of the club, it's important to the people, so know that we are part of this actual environment,' he said.
