MLS
Former Arsenal and Barcelona chief joins Inter Miami
Raul Sanllehi becomes the latest person with extensive Camp Nou links to join the MLS project in South Florida.
Inter Miami have brought in another key ex-Barcelona name to South Florida, but their latest addition is not quite as well-known as the last few. Former Barcelona director of football Raul Sanllehi was unveiled as Miami’s new president of football operations on Monday.
Sanllehi has also worked at Arsenal as head of football and is well-respected in the game. In Miami Sanllehi will work alongside the team’s sporting director, Chris Henderson, who takes an active role in recruitment decisions. The team has also unveiled Xavier Asensi as the new president of business operations.
Speaking to The Athletic, Sanllehi insisted that is eager to work alongside Henderson: “Chris is somebody I know already, because I’ve met him when I was in Zaragoza… we have a very good relationship. I have the highest respect for him. … He’s the sporting director, I am not.”
What attracts people to MLS?
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is looking to rethink the club’s executive structure and opted to go for an experienced operator with whom he has worked previously. Before this new role Sanllehi was CEO of Spanish team Real Zaragoza, also owned by Jorge Mas.
“I would say, why not?” Sanllehi replied, when asked why he had chosen a move to MLS. “I don’t see a reason not to take this amazing project. I think this project is amazing for many reasons, but basically, because it’s a project, it’s a result of thinking big.”
“I love the vision that the owners have both the Mas brothers, Jorge and Jose, and also David Beckham. They want to turn this club into a global football powerhouse.”