TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Saudi Arabian giants are plotting a surprise move for a key Newcastle figure.
Newcastle finished 5th in the Premier League, securing a place in the Champions League for next season.
Despite losing their final two matches, their goal difference kept them ahead of 6th-place Aston Villa, both on 66 points.
Strengthening the squad going into the next season and building on this season’s success is going to be a priority for the club.
However, the Magpies are set to lose a key figure behind the scenes.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Al-Hilal eyeing move for key Newcastle figure
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Newcastle’s Paul Mitchell is a target for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal want a new sporting director and are doing work on options including Mitchell, who is leaving the Magpies at the end of June.
Newcastle made an official announcement this past week, confirming that Mitchell is set to leave the club by mutual consent.
Paul Mitchell’s brief spell at Newcastle
Mitchell joined Newcastle last summer after Dan Ashworth left the club to join Manchester United.
His brief stint at St James’ Park came with its share of challenges, particularly trying to steer the club through Premier League’s Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules, which forced the sale of two promising young talents.
Elliot Anderson was sold to Nottingham Forest for £35m, while 20-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh joined Brighton in a £30m deal.
The sales allowed the club to keep hold of Anthony Gordon who Liverpool were after. Mitchell then negotiated a contract extension for the star winger in October, tying him to the club until 2029.
Player To Club Fee
Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest £35 million
Yankuba Minteh Brighton £30 million
Lloyd Kelly Juventus £20 million
Miguel Almiron Atlanta United £8 million
Some of the sales made by Paul Mitchell
There were reports of friction between Eddie Howe and Mitchell. Bailey, speaking exclusively to TBR Football, explained how the pair were “often at loggerheads”.
The owners were left “increasingly agitated” by this, which sources believe led to the decision to part ways with Mitchell. He said: “Paul Mitchell leaving allows the club to reset at sporting director. It was never a great fit with Eddie Howe.
“Let’s not beat around the bush… Mitchell and Howe were often at loggerheads and PIF were growing increasingly agitated and some believe they were considering a change.
“Howe will have some say in who comes in and this could really help Newcastle, having two people in the biggest roles at the club pulling in the same direction.”