West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Mario Husillos as the club’s new Director of Football.
What’s the story?
The 59-year-old Argentinian played in Spain for the majority of his career in the 1980s and has since made a name for himself as sporting director of Malaga.
During his time there, he saw the likes of Javier Saviola, Roque Santa Cruz and Guillermo Ochoa enter the doors of La Roselada and was also keen on promoting players from the youth teams which he had previously managed.
Husillos worked alongside new Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga during the club’s most successful spell where they played in the Champions League for the first time and reached the Quarter Finals.
However, Husillos was widely criticised for his role in Malaga’s relegation from La Liga last season as he was responsible for the signing of eight players in the January transfer window.
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said: “Mario will take complete, strategic control of all player recruitment and, alongside Manuel, has the full support and confidence of myself and David Gold to lead that department.”
What does this mean for West Ham?
The fact that Pellegrini worked alongside Husillos and had a successful relationship is an encouraging sign for West Ham.
The new manager clearly rates his former colleague, and despite the shambles at Malaga last season, Husillos has enjoyed a fairly successful reign as sporting director.
The first item on Husillos’ to-do list will be to navigate the loss of Manuel Lanzini who is expected to be out for the season.
With the new Director of Football’s extensive knowledge of Spain and South America, fans can hope he will unearth a gem that will help propel West Ham up the table this coming season.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”253217″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch The FM18 Two Minute Challenge Pellegrini at West Ham”]
