Crystal Palace has confirmed that Dougie Freedman has departed from his role as sporting director to join Al-Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. Freedman, who had previously considered a departure to Newcastle, may have been influenced by budget limitations at Palace. His anticipated role at Al-Diriyah comes after the club's promotion to the second division, following a successful season. Freedman has had a significant impact on Palace over the past years, being involved both as a player and manager, but ultimately chose to pursue opportunities outside of England.
Dougie Freedman has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player.
It is understood that Freedman is poised to become sporting director of Al-Diriyah, who have been playing in Saudi Arabia's second division but have been promoted as champions.
Freedman experienced frustration with a limited budget to work with during the January transfer window while at Crystal Palace.
Despite being heavily involved in the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner last year, Freedman's opportunity for further development has led him to seek opportunities abroad.
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