According to Estadio Deportivo, Real Betis could snatch Pablo Longoria as their new sporting director as part of a deal for Marcelino.
It’s claimed that Rubi will be replaced as Betis boss this summer. The Spanish club currently have two names in mind to replace him; Marcelino and Manuel Pellegrini.
If Betis go for Marcelino, it may be part of a double deal. That’s because Betis would want to bring in Pablo Longoria as their sporting director, reuniting him with Marcelino.
The pair worked together at Valencia, and Betis may benefit from their existing relationship. Mateu Alemany is another option for the sporting director job, having also worked with Marcelino at Valencia.
This news may be of interest to Newcastle. El Desmarque claimed in April that Longoria was emerging as a top target to become Newcastle’s new sporting director in the event of a takeover.
The takeover hasn’t actually materialised yet though. That means Newcastle are left waiting, and can’t really strike any deals until the takeover happens – and they could miss out on Longoria.
The 33-year-old left his position as Valencia’s sporting director in September 2019, leaving with Marcelino. A move to Newcastle would have been a return, as he worked as a Magpies scout during the 2007-08 season.
Since then, he has been Recreativo de Huelva, Atalanta, Sassuolo and Juventus, earning a great reputation. If Newcastle’s takeover isn’t completed soon, then Longoria’s return could falter – and leave Betis to snap him up.
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