Earlier this month, Sevilla crushed Liverpool in the second half of the Europa League final. It was their third Europa League title in as many years. Over the last ten years, they have five titles in all in European club football's second tier competition.
This is despite being a club which has build itself on the model of buying low and selling high. A flow of great players pass through the Sanchez Pizjuan on their way to the giants of European football.
The list includes Dani Alves, Ivan Rakitic, Carlos Bacca, Julio Baptista and many more - all sold for huge profits.
The man who keeps unearthing these diamonds in the rough is Monchi. A former goalkeeper with the club, he has been the sporting director since 2000 (there was an excellent interview with him in the Guardian ahead of the Europa League final).
Who is Monchi?
According to a report in the Seville-based El Desmarque (via AS) Monchi has told Sevilla that he will depart the club. This comes after he apparently had a 'heated meeting' with the club hierarchy and then cancelled appearances on their TV channel.
His contract with Sevilla runs for another year but his reasons for leaving are reportedly 'personal'.
AS also mention that Man Utd are interested in the services of Monchi. While another Andalusian publication, El Decano, say that a 'lucrative offer' to Monchi from Old Trafford has been made.
In the past, he has been linked with Engish clubs, including Spurs and Liverpool, both of whom wanted the 47-year-old to work his transfer magic in the Premier League.
The acquisition of Monchi could revolutionise Man Utd's transfer policy, which, in recent times, has been scattergun - and that's being kind.
It is possible his 'personal reasons' for wanting to leave the club are related to ambition. After 16 years of buying and selling, perhaps he wishes to build something to achieve greater success. Man Utd could be the club where he makes that something happen.
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