In the high-stakes world of football management, where sporting directors often operate in the shadows of charismatic coaches and superstar players, Andrea Berta stands out as a rare figure—a mastermind whose influence has shaped one of Europe’s most competitive clubs. Born on January 1, 1972, in Brescia, Italy, Berta’s journey from a small-town banker to a globally recognized football executive is a testament to his vision, resilience, and knack for identifying talent. With his name linked to Arsenal following his departure from Atlético Madrid, Berta’s story is one worth exploring in depth.
Early life and unconventional beginnings
Berta’s entry into football was anything but typical. Hailing from Orzinuovi, a modest town near Brescia in northern Italy, Berta spent his early career far from the pitches of Serie A or La Liga. He worked as a banker, a profession that demanded precision, foresight, and an analytical mind—qualities that would later define his approach to football management. While still in banking, Berta’s passion for the game led him to organize local night tournaments in his province, a grassroots involvement that hinted at his future trajectory.
His transition into professional football came in 2002, when he took on the role of sporting director at AC Carpenedolo, a modest Serie D club in Italy. At the age of 30, this marked the beginning of a remarkable ascent. Berta’s four-year stint at Carpenedolo allowed him to hone his skills in scouting and squad-building, albeit on a small scale. It was a humble start, but one that laid the groundwork for his later success.
Rising through the ranks in italy
Berta’s first significant break came in 2007 when he joined Parma as sporting director. The club, then navigating the complexities of Italian football’s mid-tier, offered him a platform to showcase his abilities. During his two-year tenure, Berta demonstrated an eye for talent and a pragmatic approach to transfers, traits that caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 2009, he moved to Genoa, a Serie A side under the ownership of Enrico Preziosi. His three years at Genoa solidified his reputation as a shrewd operator in the transfer market, setting the stage for his leap to one of Europe’s elite leagues.
The Atlético Madrid era
In 2013, Berta’s career took a defining turn when he joined Atlético Madrid as technical director. Arriving at a club already on the rise under Diego Simeone, Berta quickly became a pivotal figure in transforming Atlético into a European powerhouse. His first match in the role, a clash against Valencia on April 1, 2013, marked the start of a 12-year journey that would see the club achieve unprecedented success.
Promoted to sporting director in 2017, Berta’s influence grew exponentially. Working within the financial constraints of a club overshadowed by giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona, he adopted a data-driven recruitment model, blending analytics with an intuitive understanding of the game. His tenure was defined by a string of high-profile signings and lucrative sales, cementing his status as one of football’s most effective sporting directors.
Among his most notable acquisitions was Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak, signed in July 2014 from Benfica. Oblak would go on to become one of the world’s best in his position, reaching a peak market value that made him the most expensive goalkeeper in history at the time. Another masterstroke was the signing of Antoine Griezmann, whose arrival in 2014 elevated Atlético’s attacking prowess and earned the Frenchman accolades like the Onze d’Or and the Golden Boot at Euro 2016. Berta’s portfolio also includes World Cup winners like Thomas Lemar, Lucas Hernández, Nahuel Molina, Ángel Correa, and Rodrigo De Paul, as well as Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández), who later thrived at Manchester City.
Perhaps his boldest move came in 2019, when Berta orchestrated the €126 million transfer of João Félix from Benfica—a record-breaking deal that underscored his willingness to take calculated risks. While not all his signings bore fruit (Félix’s stint was polarizing), Berta’s overall track record speaks volumes. Under his stewardship, Atlético won two La Liga titles (2013-14 and 2020-21), two Europa League titles (2011-12 and 2017-18), two UEFA Super Cups (2012-13 and 2018-19), a Copa del Rey (2012-13), and a Spanish Super Cup (2013-14). The club also reached two Champions League finals (2014 and 2016), falling agonizingly short against Real Madrid on both occasions.
Berta’s ability to work alongside a towering personality like Simeone was no small feat. Known for his independence and strong-willed approach, he was no “yes man.” Instead, he complemented Simeone’s intensity with a cool-headed, strategic vision, ensuring Atlético remained competitive despite a smaller budget than their rivals.
Awards and recognition
Berta’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he was named Best Sporting Director of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards, a recognition of his role in the João Félix transfer and the sales of Griezmann, Hernández, and Rodri. Two years later, in 2021, he received the prestigious Premio Maestrelli, further affirming his standing in the football world.
Departure from Atlético and interest from top clubs
Berta’s long and successful tenure at Atlético Madrid came to an end in December 2024, closing a chapter that spanned over a decade. His departure sparked immediate interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Chelsea were among those reportedly courting him, while in Italy, both AC Milan and Juventus were linked with the 53-year-old. However, it was Arsenal who emerged as the frontrunner, seeking a replacement for Edu Gaspar, who resigned in November 2024.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Berta has gained traction. The Gunners, who have come close to Premier League glory in recent seasons but fallen short, see Berta as the ideal candidate to elevate their project. His experience in maximizing resources, executing high-stakes transfers, and competing at the highest level aligns with Arsenal’s ambitions under Mikel Arteta.
What could Berta bring to Arsenal?
If Berta joins Arsenal, he would bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His data-driven approach could refine the club’s recruitment strategy, ensuring they target players who fit both tactically and financially. His history of unearthing gems like Oblak and Griezmann suggests he could bolster Arsenal’s squad with transformative signings, while his knack for profitable sales (e.g., Rodri to Manchester City) could help maintain financial stability.
However, Berta’s tenure hasn’t been without criticism. Some of his high-profile signings, like Félix, underperformed relative to their price tags, and his conservative approach to spending might clash with Arsenal’s need for bold investment to bridge the gap to Manchester City. Still, his ability to thrive under pressure and work with strong personalities like Simeone bodes well for a partnership with Arteta.