According to The Athletic, Manchester United is planning to hire Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new CEO.
Berrada, who currently serves as City’s chief operating officer, will replace Richard Arnold, who left the club before INEOS purchased a 25% stake for £1.25 billion. Berrada has resigned from his position at City and is now seeking a new opportunity.
According to The Athletic, Berrada, who has played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success in the last ten years, was highly desired by INEOS to take on a similar role at Manchester United. The Glazer family, who are the majority owners of United, supported this decision.
Berrada, currently serving as the CFO at City Football Group, has closely collaborated with City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, on matters related to transfers and contracts. United’s pursuit of Berrada is seen as a strong indication of their determination to attract someone of his caliber.
Berrada became a part of City in 2011 after leaving Barcelona, where he had worked for almost eight years as a senior media business development manager and head of sponsorship. He served as a CFO at City for nearly eight years as well.
Last summer, Berrada apparently declined offers to become a chief executive at a Premier League club, MLS teams, and a major NFL franchise. It seems likely that he will soon be appointed as United’s CEO.
