Chivas announced on Wednesday that sporting director Fernando Hierro is leaving the Liga MX club, with sources informing ESPN that he is set to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.
Al Nassr, known for signing global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, have reportedly pursued Hierro in the past. They eventually succeeded in convincing him with a more attractive offer for the role of sporting director.
“Club Deportivo Guadalajara announces that Fernando Hierro spoke with the board of directors of the institution to inform them of his decision to take another professional opportunity outside the country, which is why as of today he stops providing his services as sports director,” Chivas said in a news release.
According to a source, Ronaldo and Hierro, two former Real Madrid legends, share a strong connection.
Initially hired by Chivas after their 2022 Apertura run, Hierro, the former Spain director, came close to securing a trophy for the Liga MX giants with an appearance in the 2023 Clausura final.
However, Chivas were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Apertura and recently defeated by eventual champions Club América in the 2024 Clausura.
With Hierro’s departure, the Guadalajara-based side will begin their preseason for the 2024 Apertura in less than two weeks.
During his tenure, Hierro brought in manager Veljko Paunovic, who was later replaced by Fernando Gago after Paunovic mutually parted ways with Chivas in 2023.
Gago remains the team’s current manager.
Fran Pérez, a fellow Spaniard brought in by Hierro as a member of the Chivas front office, is a candidate to take Hierro’s place.
Despite Chivas’ tally of 12 Liga MX titles, second only to rivals Club América with 15, the club has struggled in the 21st century, winning just one championship in the last 17 years.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr finished the 2023-24 season second in the Saudi Pro League standings and without titles in the Saudi Cup or AFC Champions League.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo set a new single-season record for most goals scored in the league (35) with a brace.