Newcastle United appointed Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director in 2024.
The former Monaco chief was brought in to replace Dan Ashworth, who is now out of work after an embarrassing stint as Manchester United’s sporting director.
The Dan Ashworth saga was incredibly messy, and the hope will be that Newcastle United are better for it.
That will be up to Paul Mitchell, who is expected to make his first major Toon signing this summer after a couple of difficult transfer windows. Newcastle want three new signings, while Mitchell will also be tasked with keeping Eddie Howe’s stars at St James’ Park.
Mitchell has a big job on his hands, despite knowing he was not the Magpies’ first choice last summer.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Newcastle United wanted Dougie Freedman
Before Mitchell arrived, Newcastle United wanted Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace.
He was PIF’s top choice, and Newcastle thought Freedman could have an immediate impact at St James’ Park. That was because of his knowledge of the English market, with Freedman described as an ‘absolute master’ at identifying players from the lower leagues by Jamie Carragher in May 2024.
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We never found out if that would be the case, as Freedman rejected Newcastle’s offer.
He chose to stay at Crystal Palace, but is now on the way out of Selhurst Park less than a year later.
Freedman to leave Crystal Palace
The Eagles have confirmed that Freedman is stepping down from his role as sporting director to take a job overseas.
That move overseas is going to see Freedman work in Saudi Arabia, with the 50-year-old set to be announced as Al-Diriyah’s new sporting director.
They play in the second tier of Saudi Arabian football.
Are Al-Diriyah owned by PIF?
Interestingly, they are owned by the Diriyah Company, who are owned by PIF.
That means that PIF own five clubs in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassir and Al-Hilal being the other four sides.
PIF also increased their stake in Newcastle United in 2024 when Amanda Staveley sold her shares in the club.