Pablo Longoria in Talks for Sporting Director Role at River Plate
Pablo Longoria is in negotiations to become the new sporting director of Argentine giants River Plate, according to reports in the Argentine press. The 40-year-old Spaniard, who recently left his role as president of Olympique de Marseille, is said to be attracted by the prospect of experiencing South American football and returning to a sporting director position, a role he has held previously at Valencia and Marseille.
Longoria's potential appointment is part of a major internal restructuring led by River Plate's president, Stefano Di Carlo, who took charge in November 2025. Di Carlo reportedly sees Longoria as the ideal candidate to help steer the club's sporting project. The move would see Longoria working alongside club legend Enzo Francescoli, who has held a key executive role at the Monumental since 2014.
The former Marseille executive built his reputation in a series of recruitment roles across Europe before moving into club presidency. He served as a scout for Newcastle United and later held positions at Atalanta, Sassuolo, and Juventus, developing a network often cited as one of his greatest strengths. His most prominent role prior to Marseille was as sporting director at Valencia during a period of significant transition for the La Liga club.
Longoria's departure from Marseille was confirmed in March, concluding a tumultuous tenure that began with promise but was marked by frequent changes in the dugout and growing tension with the club's fanbase. A return to the more focused remit of a sporting director, away from the intense pressure of a French club presidency, is viewed as a logical next step for his career.
For River Plate, securing a figure of Longoria's profile would signal a ambitious, data-driven approach to squad building as they seek to reassert domestic dominance and compete consistently in the Copa Libertadores. The club has undergone significant change since the end of the Marcelo Gallardo era and is looking to modernize its football operations. Longoria's European market expertise could be pivotal in identifying talent for both the immediate first team and for the club's famed academy.
The potential move underscores the growing interconnectivity between the European and South American markets, with clubs like River Plate increasingly looking to appoint executives with experience on both continents. While no agreement has been finalized, discussions are understood to be advanced, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
