Palace sporting director previously linked with United leaves to join Saudi club

talkSPORT understands former Palace forward Freedman is leaving Selhurst Park for a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

The Scot is joining Al Diriyah, who will play in the second tier of Saudi football next season having won the Saudi Second Division Group B.

talkSPORT also understands that Freedman would effectively be the head of sport for Diriyah Company, meaning he would possess an expansive role across multiple sports.

It's an unexpected move for Freedman, who looked set to join Manchester United last summer, but Al Diriyah are a club with potential to improve hugely.

Al Diriyah are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund [PIF], who also own Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and reigning Saudi champions Al Hilal.

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Meanwhile, the PIF also led the Saudi takeover of Premier League club Newcastle in 2021.

Freedman is to begin his new adventure in Saudi Arabia having previously been courted by two of the Premier League's biggest clubs in Man United and Newcastle.

The 50-year-old is said to have turned down Newcastle last summer as they touted him to replace Dan Ashworth, who was poached by Man United.

Freedman was also linked with Man United in the summer and then again in December following Ashworth's sudden departure from Old Trafford.

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He held the sporting director role at Palace since 2017 having represented them as a player for ten years over two spells.

The ex-player also managed the club in a brief 18-month stint.

He said: "I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.

"It's been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that's been done, with the Chairman's support, in growing the football club into its current position.

"To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.

"Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion - especially with how you've helped new signings and Academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.

"Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club's progress closely."

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Meanwhile, Palace chairman Parish said: "Dougie 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.

"I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future. Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I'm sure will continue to go from strength to strength."

Al Diriyah are located on the outskirts of Riyadh and boast a 15,000-seater stadium.

Diriyah is the original home of the Saudi royal family and will be a big part of the 2034 World Cup.