Crystal Palace’s long‑time transfer chief Dougie Freedman left in March 2025, and recruitment is now run by a small “triangle” of chairman Steve Parish, head coach Oliver Glasner and incoming sporting director Matt Hobbs.
From Dougie Freedman to a New Structure
Dougie Freedman served as Palace’s first Sporting Director from 2017 until his departure in March 2025, overseeing the signings of Marc Guéhi, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton and helping appoint Glasner. Palace confirmed in a club statement that he left to take up a role overseas, later revealed as Sporting Director at Saudi club Al‑Diriyah. Since then, multiple reports and club briefings have described 2025 as a “new era of recruitment” at Selhurst Park.
Steve Parish’s Central Role
A December 2025 transfer explainer in The Athletic notes that Steve Parish remains the ultimate decision‑maker on transfers and contracts, just as he has been for 15 years. Parish signs off all major deals, sets budget levels and leads on negotiations with other clubs and agents, particularly since Freedman’s exit in March.
Former players and pundits have pointed out that when Palace do land key targets, fans praise Freedman or Glasner, but when deals stall, criticism usually focuses on Parish as the constant at board level.
Matt Hobbs: New Sporting Director
To replace Freedman, Palace moved to appoint former Wolves Sporting Director Matt Hobbs:
- Inside-football reports in August and December 2025 say Palace are “close to” or “have” brought in Hobbs as Sporting Director, with Wolves fans describing him as strong on data‑driven scouting and value deals.
- The Athletic explains that Hobbs’ initial contract is focused around the January 2026 window, with scope to extend, making him a key figure in short‑term transfer decision‑making alongside Parish.
In practice, that means Hobbs now leads the recruitment department day to day: drawing up target lists, co‑ordinating scouts, short‑listing players and presenting options to Parish and Glasner.
Glasner’s Influence on Recruitment
Head coach Oliver Glasner does not control the budget but has a major say in profiles and priorities.
- In summer 2024 he said he “fully trusts” Parish and Freedman on transfers and focuses on defining the types of players he needs, athletic wing‑backs, centre-backs comfortable in a back three, and press‑resistant midfielders.
- After Freedman’s departure, The Athletic notes that Glasner still wants strong input, but Palace are determined to stick to their own long‑term model rather than chasing purely system‑specific signings.
So while Glasner is not a “director of football”, his tactical requirements heavily shape who Hobbs and the recruitment team pursue.
Who Is in Charge of Recruitment Now?
Putting it together, Crystal Palace’s recruitment in late 2025/26 is effectively run by:
| Role | Person | Recruitment Responsibilities | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Steve Parish | Final sign‑off on all transfers, contracts and budgets; leads negotiations on major deals. | The Athletic explainer |
| Sporting Director (incoming/short‑term) | Matt Hobbs | Heads recruitment department post‑Freedman; compiles target lists, co‑ordinates scouting, key voice in January 2026 window. | Recruitment reports |
| Head Coach | Oliver Glasner | Defines positional needs and playing-style profiles; consulted on targets and fit, but does not control budget. | Glasner quote on transfers |
So while Dougie Freedman was the clear “Director of Football” figure until March 2025, Crystal Palace’s recruitment is now overseen by Steve Parish at the top, with Matt Hobbs stepping into the Sporting Director role and Glasner strongly influencing the type of players the Eagles try to bring in.
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