Espanyol sporting director Monchi believes Spanish golf equipment must be paying nearer consideration to England’s Championship, describing it as one in all soccer’s “least understood” competitions and an more and more engaging supply of expertise.
The previous goalkeeper has returned to his native Spain after two years as president of soccer operations at Aston Villa, having beforehand held sporting director roles at Sevilla and Roma.
Barcelona-based Espanyol, who completed eleventh in La Liga final season, are one of many oldest golf equipment in Spain, having been based in 1900.
Monchi says looking for out expertise within the English second tier is a part of a broader technique to faucet into markets the place Espanyol can compete, regardless of the monetary restrictions imposed on Spanish golf equipment.
Espanyol have a connection to the Championship – because the membership’s possession group, led by Alan Tempo, additionally owns Burnley.
“I believe the Championship is likely one of the least understood competitions,” Monchi advised BBC Sport.
“Having lived in England for 2 years and labored with Aston Villa, and now persevering with to comply with the competitors due to Burnley, I can say that there are some superb gamers there.”
The 57-year-old Spaniard factors to Morgan Rogers as one instance of the expertise who got here via the Championship.
Rogers joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in 2024 after a spell within the second tier and went on to turn into an England worldwide earlier than finishing a £117m transfer to Chelsea this summer season.
“That is only one instance, however I may give many extra,” Monchi stated.
“I believe it’s a competitors with a particularly excessive stage of competitiveness, superb coaches and intense calls for. It is a wonderful place to find expertise.”
Tyrhys Dolan joined Espanyol from Blackburn Rovers in July 2025 after 5 seasons within the Championship, whereas the Spanish membership have now signed Netherlands worldwide Quilindschy Hartman on mortgage from Burnley.