Although hope grew a few weeks ago, especially after the double victory over Sevilla and Celta, Real Oviedo had already started planning for its immediate future with an eye on La Liga 2. Some renewals and signings reflect that strategy, and Grupo Pachuca is also keen to learn from past mistakes. One of the most repeated errors by its leaders is not strengthening the sports management department.
Oviedo is now working on this, determined to hire a sporting director to lead the squad rebuild in the second division. Contacts have already been made with several profiles, and according to LA NUEVA ESPAÑA, one of the most liked is José Antonio Prieto, known as Cata, the technical secretary of Osasuna. Cata is under contract with Osasuna, which complicates his potential arrival.
Cata is Braulio’s right-hand man in Pamplona and is highly valued for his extensive market knowledge. He is considered a profile that would perfectly fit the requirements of Oviedo’s rebuilding in La Liga 2. A discreet figure, especially respected in the football world, this move would bring him into the spotlight at a club with a unique operational dynamic due to Grupo Pachuca’s involvement.
The operation is not straightforward, as Cata, alongside Braulio, renewed his contract a couple of months ago until 2029. For this reason, the club is also in contact with other candidates, both from Spain and Mexico, as Jesús Martínez is closely monitoring such a significant decision.
The arrival of a top-level figure for recruitment will not mean the departure of Agustín Lleida and Roberto Suárez, who are responsible for the current squad. Lleida will remain as general director, though focused on the sporting side: the club will appoint an executive vice president to consolidate non-football functions. As for Suárez, he appears set to continue within the technical secretariat.
