Valencia CF has appointed Braulio Vázquez as its new sporting director, paying a 290,000-euro buyout clause to CA Osasuna to secure his release, according to club announcements and reports published on September 13. The move comes hours after the dismissal of coach Corberán and the abrupt departure of Ron Gourlay, leaving Vázquez in charge of leading the club’s new sporting structure and naming a new manager ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Real Sociedad at Mestalla stadium.
The appointment marks a return to Valencia for Vázquez, who previously served as sporting director in the club from 2010 to 2013. According to official club statements, president Kiat Lim authorized the hiring. Vázquez spent the past nine seasons as the maximum sporting authority at Osasuna, counting on wide and proven experience in sporting management in Spanish football.
Immediate pressure surrounds the new sporting director’s desk. With Corberán dismissed, Vázquez’s first decision involves hiring a head coach capable of connecting instantly with Mestalla. Reports indicate that Ernesto Valverde was a candidate given his condition of being free, but Valverde has already said no.
The search narrows toward candidates with experience and knowledge of LaLiga who can prepare a squad quickly for the upcoming weekend fixture.
A Familiar Face Facing Deep-Rooted Instability
Vázquez steps into an organizational landscape marked by high turnover under Peter Lim. Vázquez becomes the latest in a line of sporting directors and executives to serve under the ownership structure, following figures such as Rufete, García Pitarch, Mateu Alemany, César Sánchez, and Miguel Ángel Corona.
His familiarity with the club’s internal culture from his previous stint is viewed by the club as an asset.
Next Steps at Mestalla
Vázquez is scheduled to be officially presented as the new sporting director of Valencia CF in the coming days. His immediate agenda requires finalizing a coaching staff before the home match.
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