Newcastle United have confirmed that sporting director Paul Mitchell will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June, ending a tenure that began in July 2024 and included the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years—even though the lad had little say on it.
Mitchell’s departure follows news that CEO Darren Eales, who brought him to Newcastle and previously worked with him at Tottenham, will also step down due to health reasons.
Eales has been diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer and will stay in his post until a successor is appointed.
“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,” NUFC said in the official statement.
Mitchell, who previously held roles at Tottenham, Leipzig, and Monaco, oversaw a season in which the club lifted the Carabao Cup in March and secured Champions League qualification for 2025–26.
Despite earlier reports of tension between Mitchell and head coach Eddie Howe, the sporting director exits on what appears to be amicable terms, although it’s clear something’s wrong, considering he never got to do anything related to his actual role within the organization.
“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales... moving on soon,” Mitchell said. “The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.”
Newcastle now begins the process of identifying a new sporting director ahead of what Howe has described as a “big transfer window,” targeting Champions League-ready players, although it’s unknown if the club would rather just hand Howe the full reins of recruiting at least for the upcoming transfer window.