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Edu's European Reset: Ex-Arsenal Chief Joins Levski Sofia Board

Edu's European Reset: Ex-Arsenal Chief Joins Levski Sofia Board

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones
Published: Sep 14, 2026

Former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has secured an unexpected return to football by joining the board of directors at Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia. Edu takes on this new challenge shortly after his contract was terminated by Nottingham Forest, where he endured a highly difficult stint overseeing their global football operations across a vast multi-club network.

A New Dawn in Bulgaria for Edu

The football world is buzzing with surprise as former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest executive, Edu, embarks on an unexpected new chapter, joining the prestigious board of Bulgarian giants, Levski Sofia. This isn't just a career move; it's a dramatic pivot after a turbulent spell in England.

Key Points:

  • Edu has officially joined the five-person board of directors at Levski Sofia.
  • The move follows his recent, highly publicized departure from Nottingham Forest.
  • Levski Sofia is undergoing a major hierarchy restructure, eyeing Edu's strategic expertise.
  • The Bulgarian champions are currently five points clear at the top of their domestic league.

A New Dawn in Bulgaria for Edu

The announcement confirms Edu's integration into Levski Sofia's newly formed five-person board, a significant restructuring effort by the club. He joins Claudio Pracownik, Felipe Berliner, Matthew Cherry, and current executive director Daniel Borimirov in this pivotal leadership team.

While his exact responsibilities are yet to be finalized, an upcoming board meeting will determine the chair and executive director roles. Levski Sofia sees Edu's extensive experience as a crucial asset for their future, aiming to capitalize on his strategic insights.

Why Levski Sofia is Banking on Proven Pedigree

The Bulgarian champions didn't mince words in their official statement, expressing immense excitement for Edu's arrival. They highlighted his proven track record in "sports strategy, selection, talent development and organisational building."

This pedigree stems from a highly successful period at Arsenal, where Edu served as technical and sporting director. His tenure at the Emirates was instrumental in reshaping the club's structure and talent pipeline, earning him a reputation for astute decision-making.

Unpacking the Turbulent Forest Fiasco

This fresh start at Levski Sofia offers a stark contrast to Edu's recent "disastrous" stint at Nottingham Forest. He arrived at the City Ground in July 2025 as global head of football, tasked with overseeing operations across Evangelos Marinakis's multi-club empire.

However, his time at Forest was plagued by widespread reports of poor recruitment decisions and internal strife. Edu reportedly fell out with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, one of four bosses the club cycled through last season amidst significant challenges.

The writing was on the wall when Edu's exit was confirmed this month. He had reportedly been instructed to stay away from the training ground and stadium after attending his last game in February – a clear sign of the breakdown in his relationship with the club's hierarchy.

The Road Ahead: Titles and European Ambition

Now, Edu faces the immediate challenge of sustaining Levski Sofia's domestic dominance. The club currently enjoys a comfortable five-point lead at the top of their league after nine matches, aiming for back-to-back titles.

Beyond the league, Levski Sofia also has European aspirations, having dropped into the Europa League after a tough Champions League play-off defeat against AEK Athens. Edu's strategic acumen will be vital in navigating these complex European fixtures and solidifying the club's continental presence.