Bournemouth unveil former Roma chief as president of football operations

Bournemouth have announced the appointment of Tiago Pinto as the club's first-ever president of football operations.

The Cherries have confirmed Pinto will begin his role next week after leaving his position as Roma's general manager earlier this year.

Pinto will take on a newly-created role rather than replacing Richard Hughes, who has left his position as technical director to become Liverpool's new sporting director.

Simon Francis will step into the position vacated by Hughes to work alongside Pinto and chief executive Neill Blake.

© Reuters

Pinto "can't wait" to start Bournemouth job

Following Pinto's appointment, Bournemouth chairman and owner Bill Foley told the club's website: "We're excited to bring Tiago to the club. Neill and Simon have worked closely with him on a number of deals in recent seasons and have always been very impressed by him.

"Tiago arrives with great experience at some high-profile clubs already in his young career. Hiring somebody with his background reinforces the ambition that we have to succeed in the Premier League and in our multi-club project."

Pinto spent three years as Benfica's director of football, before he became the general manager at Serie A giants Roma.

During his time in the Italian capital, Roma won the 2021-22 Europa Conference League and reached the 2022-23 Europa League final.

Pinto, who left Roma in February, is understood to have put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Premier League club.

"I'm very happy to be joining Bournemouth during such an exciting time for the club," Pinto said. "I would like to express my gratitude to Bill, Neill and Simon. The vision that they have laid out to me is something that I can't wait to be a part of."

We're delighted to welcome our new president of football operations, Tiago Pinto 🤝

He will start in his role next week and will work with the club's chief executive Neill Blake and technical director Simon Francis on all football matters.

Welcome, Tiago 🍒 pic.twitter.com/fMheEM6301

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 24, 2024

Pinto's appointment signals Bournemouth's ambition

Bournemouth's ability to convince Pinto to take on the role as president of football operations highlights the club's ambition and suggests that the Cherries are on an upward trajectory.

They recently extended the contract of Andoni Iraola to June 2026 after he guided the club to their highest-ever Premier League points total in his first season of the club.

The Bournemouth boss saw his side pick up 48 points to achieve a 12th-placed finish, ensuring that the club can look forward to a third consecutive season in the top flight.

However, rather than focusing on staying in the division, the appointment of Pinto indicates that Bournemouth are setting their expectations a little higher.