Newcastle United are stepping up their search for a new sporting director, with former Arsenal chief Jason Ayto in the mix for the job.
The Magpies are currently without a sporting director, with Paul Mitchell officially leaving Newcastle United at the end of June. The club are now preparing for a fresh start, with Darren Eales also due to leave his post as chief executive officer.
Newcastle United are losing two key figures behind the scenes, and are making moves to bring in their replacements. In terms of a new sporting director, Jason Ayto and Ross Wilson are Newcastle’s two leading candidates.
The Athletic have reported that both Ayto and Wilson have been interviewed by the Magpies.
Jason Ayto watches Arsenal Women train.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Why Jason Ayto left Arsenal amid Newcastle United interest
There is one key difference between the two front-runners. Wilson is currently working for Nottingham Forest, while Ayto is not with a club. That is because he left Arsenal in May.
Ayto spent a decade with the Gunners, having initially worked as a scout. However, he was promoted to assistant sporting director at the request of Edu when the Brazilian became Arsenal’s sporting director in November 2022.
Having worked extremely closely with Edu, Ayto was promoted to interim sporting director when his superior left the club in November 2024.
He was in contention to permanently replace Edu as Arsenal’s sporting director, but the role ultimately went to former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta. Following that decision, the Athletic reported in May 2025 that Ayto had opted to leave Arsenal and pursue opportunities elsewhere.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
That opportunity could be at Newcastle United, with Ayto firmly in the mix to replace Mitchell at St James’ Park.
What Mikel Arteta previously said about Newcastle United target Jason Ayto
While Ayto has never been a permanent sporting director, his experience with Arsenal holds him in good stead to take the next step in his career.
He would also arrive at St James’ Park with the endorsement of Mikel Arteta, who spoke incredibly highly of Ayto during an interview in November 2024.
Shortly after Edu’s Arsenal exit, Arteta and Ayto travelled to America to speak to the Gunners’ owners. After that trip, Arteta said: “Very good, Jason and all the team. Edu and I probably got a lot of the praise, but the work behind it is done by this guy and Jason has been phenomenal.”
While Ayto had the admiration of Arteta, Arsenal decided to go in a different direction and hire Berta. Now Ayto is a contender for the Newcastle United job, as he competes with Ross Wilson to become the Magpies’ third sporting director since PIF bought the club.