The drama continues at Newcastle United.
Not long after Newcastle United confirmed their return to the Champions League, more big news broke on Tyneside.
Indeed, the club confirmed Paul Mitchell’s rather quick-fire departure on Tuesday.
Mitchell left as sporting director at Newcastle, having only arrived as Dan Ashworth’s replacement in 2024.
It’s another big change under owners PIF. Former directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left last summer too, meaning there is seemingly a constant churn of personnel under the Newcastle United owners.
Luckily, Mitchell’s quick-fire exit won’t impact Newcastle transfer plans this summer.
However, the timing does seem strange, albeit Mitchell suggests CEO Darren Eales leaving as a major reason for his departure from Newcastle.
Now, the club are looking for a new person to step in. That’s not ideal with a transfer window on the horizon, but some insight into PIF’s stance has emerged.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
How PIF feel about Paul Mitchell’s exit at Newcastle United
According to iNews, Mitchell’s decision to move on had been in the pipeline for weeks.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Manager Eddie Howe confirmed imminent transfer talks with PIF after Newcastle’s defeat to Everton, but the departure of the sporting director isn’t believed to be related to that.
In fact, it’s even said that Mitchell leaves Newcastle on good terms with PIF.
One of Mitchell’s few signings will soon arrive at the club, given Antonio Cordero is set to join Newcastle imminently.
Newcastle United fans make Steve Nickson demand after Paul Mitchell departure
Newcastle fans are keen to see Steve Nickson replace Paul Mitchell as sporting director, having been impressed by his work.
Nickson is Newcastle’s head of recruitment and has been since 2017. PIF value Nickson highly, with the transfer guru having helped oversee a number of successful signings since the takeover in October 2021.
Hopefully, Mitchell’s exit doesn’t rock the boat too much. Howe wants Newcastle to sign players quickly this summer and, with other clubs already conducting some business, it’s easy to see why he’d want that.
Newcastle have to strike while the iron is hot.