Edu, the former transfer chief for both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, has taken on a new role with Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia. The 48-year-old Brazilian, whose contract at Nottingham Forest was recently terminated, has been appointed to the club’s new five-person board of directors.
Edu’s New Venture with Levski Sofia
Levski Sofia announced the appointment as part of a significant restructuring of the club’s hierarchy. A statement from the club highlighted Edu’s potential contributions, noting that ‘His experience in sports strategy, selection, talent development and organisational building will be an important asset for the club on its path to a sustainable and competitive football structure.’ While his precise responsibilities on the board have not yet been detailed, the board is expected to elect a chair and an executive director in an upcoming meeting.
Edu’s inclusion on the board was confirmed during Levski’s general shareholders’ meeting. He joins three other new board members: Claudio Pracownik, Felipe Berliner, and Matthew Cherry. Daniel Borimirov, the current executive director, will also continue his role.
Context of Levski Sofia’s Recent Success
This strategic shift at Levski Sofia comes at a notable time for the club. Last year, they secured their first Bulgarian league title since 2009, a victory that ended a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive league championships by domestic rivals Ludogorets. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Levski, breaking a long-standing dominance in Bulgarian football.
Edu’s Career Trajectory
Edu’s previous role at Nottingham Forest concluded earlier this month after a challenging period as the club’s global head of football. His tenure there followed a successful period at Arsenal, where he initially returned as technical director in 2019, having previously played for the club 127 times. He was promoted to sporting director in 2022 and was widely credited for his instrumental part in the club’s resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta. Edu announced his resignation from Arsenal in November 2024.
His move to Nottingham Forest in July 2025 saw him oversee football operations within the broader network of owner Evangelos Marinakis’s football holdings, which include Olympiacos and Rio Ave. However, his time at the City Ground was reportedly hampered by several high-profile transfer misses and a reported disagreement with then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who was one of four managers to lead the team last season.
Reports had surfaced in March suggesting Edu’s departure from Forest was imminent, and his exit was officially confirmed this month. He was last seen attending a Forest match in February, with some reports indicating he had been instructed not to visit the club’s training facilities or stadium prior to his contract’s termination.
Levski Sofia’s Current Standing and European Aspirations
Currently, Levski Sofia is performing strongly in the Bulgarian league, holding a five-point lead at the top of the table after nine matches. The squad features players such as former West Ham attacker Armstrong Oko-Flex and ex-Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic. The club is also set to participate in the Europa League this season, having narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot after a loss in the final qualifying play-off round against AEK Athens.
Conclusion
Edu’s appointment to the board of Levski Sofia marks a new chapter in his career, bringing his extensive experience in football strategy and player development to the Bulgarian champions as they aim to build on their recent league success and compete effectively in European competitions.
