Sporting director replaced Dan Ashworth last year but departs just 10 months later
Newcastle United have announced the shock exit of director of football Paul Mitchell by mutual consent in a move that appears to hand Eddie Howe more transfer influence ahead of a huge summer.
Mitchell’s departure at the end of June 2025 was announced by the club on Tuesday lunchtime and represents a surprise move after sources claimed there was now “collaboration” between him and boss Howe after a rocky start.
The club’s official announcement stressed that the move was by mutual consent and they paid tribute to Mitchell’s diligence and professionalism. But he departs Newcastle without having brokered a major incoming signing.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates gaining a Champions League place after the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC at St James' Park on May 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Eddie Howe looks set to be handed greater transfer powers (Photo: Getty)
Mitchell was an appointment driven by chief executive Darren Eales, who will also depart this summer, and the suggestion in the club’s official statement is that his exit is linked to another boardroom reshuffle.
But it also appears to represent a big show of faith in Howe’s acumen in the transfer market as Newcastle prepare to “go big” in the summer.
Although he retained final say in recruitment calls, Mitchell’s arrival moved him away from recruitment decisions with the director of football appointed as a recruitment specialist.
Tuesday’s development seems to put Howe – who is pushing for Premier League-ready arrivals – back in the spotlight.
Mitchell’s exit also comes after a series of meetings with representatives from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which included Yasir Al-Rumayyan, on Sunday.
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The club are staying tight-lipped about the prospect of replacements but early suggestions are that Newcastle may reshuffle their transfer committee with Steve Nickson, the club’s long-serving head of recruitment, possibly handed more influence alongside Howe and his nephew Andy Howe, who is currently the assistant head of first-team recruitment.
Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.
“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon.
“The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.
“I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”
The club added: “Paul leaves with the club’s best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.”