There have been some negative stories about Paul Mitchell and his time as Newcastle United sporting director.
With Mitchell set to leave Newcastle United at the end of June, the Magpies are preparing for a summer transfer window without a sporting director.
That will not concern a lot of Toon fans, as Eddie Howe’s record in the transfer market since arriving at Newcastle United is outstanding.
On top of that, a dark cloud has been cast over what the club was really like behind the scenes during Mitchell’s tenure.
It has been reported that Mitchell criticised Newcastle signing Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall for a combined £60million, while his arrival resulted in Eddie Howe almost leaving his job.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Paul Mitchell has saved Newcastle United this summer
While there is a lot of negativity, the situation is not black and white.
He had a positive impact at St James’ Park in other respects, with Mitchell bringing in James Bunce as performance director.
Now a report from the Times has explained how Mitchell has ensured that the Magpies are going to avoid a PSR disaster in the very near future.
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According to the Times, Newcastle United would have had to sell a star name for a cut price fee before June 30th to comply with PSR had Mitchell not struck deals to sell Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in January.
The club took a major risk at the start of the year, weakening their squad without reinforcements arriving.
It was a risk worth taking, as Newcastle went on to win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League without Almiron and Kelly.
Almiron joined Atlanta United for around £10million, while Kelly’s loan move to Juventus has become permanent for £20million.
Thanks to those deals, Newcastle United are not under pressure to sell someone like Alexander Isak or Sandro Tonali.
Had Newcastle needed to sell, it would have seen a repeat of 2024. Ahead of last year’s PSR deadline, they were forced to cash in on Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson despite Howe wanting to keep both players.
There was chaos behind the scenes at St James’ Park, as Newcastle scrambled to bring in enough money to comply with PSR and avoid a points deduction.
Newcastle United midfielder ‘expected’ to leave
While the Magpies are not under pressure to sell anyone this summer, that is not to say that they won’t.
A major name does not need to go, but any departures would certainly enhance Howe’s transfer budget.
That might be required with Newcastle wanting at least four new signings.
There could be a need for the Magpies to target a new midfielder, as it has been reported that Sean Longstaff is expected to leave.
The 27-year-old has gone from regular starter to benchwarmer over the past few months, with Longstaff an unused substitute for five of the Magpies’ final six games of the season.