According to the BBC, in a latest study conducted by the industry consultancy Transfer Room, former Manchester City director Begiristain was rated as the number one sports director. The ranking is based on the net value increase a director brings to the team through signings.
Data shows that during his 10-year tenure at Manchester City, Begiristain signed 23 players at a cost of 875 million euros or 768 million pounds, bringing a net value increase of up to 455 million euros or 399 million pounds to the lineup.
The 61-year-old executive joined Manchester City in 2012. He left earlier this year and was replaced by Hugo Viana. Manchester City chairman Mubarak paid high praise when he left, calling him a legend and the epitome of a "director of football". "
Several other Premier League directors are also in the top ten. Dodge Friedman, who left Crystal Palace for Saudi Arabia, ranks third, behind Eintracht Frankfurt's Timo Hardung. Newcastle's Ross Wilson ranks fifth and Brentford's Phil Giles ranks seventh.
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