Newcastle United’s move for a new sporting director could have had an impact on a Premier League rival.
Indeed, Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo became the first Premier League manager to lose his job during the 2025/26 season over the course of the international break.
Nuno has been replaced by former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou at the City Ground after owner Evangelos Marinakis took action.
Despite leading Forest into Europe last season, Nuno appeared to fall out with Marinakis and recently publicly spoke of a breakdown in their relationship.
As the fallout from his departure continues, it seems that Newcastle United could have played a small role in how it all unfolded.
Nottingham Forest sporting director Ross Wilson looks on.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ross Wilson’s move to Newcastle United caused Nottingham Forest concern
According to The Daily Telegraph, Nuno was unhappy with the arrival of former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar’s move to the club earlier this summer.
Nuno reportedly did not feel Edu was up to the job after the Brazilian was appointed as Global Head of Football in July.
"Our relationship has changed… it's not good."
Nuno Espirito Santo says the relationship between himself and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has changed for the worse. pic.twitter.com/bfcv7f43uf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 22, 2025
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The former Wolves boss preferred working with a small group of players and staff. During last season’s success, Ross Wilson worked as the club’s chief football officer, alongside technical director George Syrianos and head of recruitment Pedro Ferreira.
However, Wilson is expected to join Newcastle as their new sporting director and the report adds that the seemingly imminent move was “also a big concern” behind the scenes.
Eddie Howe crucial to Newcastle United’s move for Ross Wilson
Clearly, Wilson has not been appointed yet but the Telegraph’s report also adds that is expected to happen at some point.
Newcastle owners PIF went into a difficult summer transfer window without either a sporting director or a CEO. That attracted criticism, although it appears as if they are now getting their house in order.
Eddie Howe called on PIF to appoint a sporting director and a CEO and one of those has already arrived at St James’ Park.
Earlier this month, Newcastle appointed David Hopkinson as their new CEO.
Now, a new sporting director looks finally set to arrive, too. Interestingly, Howe is thought to have been involved in the move for Wilson, given his good relationship with him.