Paul Mitchell could leave Newcastle United for another PIF-owned football club.
Mitchell only joined Newcastle as their sporting director last July, however has decided to leave his position at the end of June. And he may not be out of work for long, or at all.
Paul Mitchell under consideration at PIF-owned club
talkSPORT claims Mitchell is one of three people under consideration for the sporting director role at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who are 75% owned by PIF.
Michael Edwards is reportedly another candidate for the role. Edwards quit his job as Liverpool’s sporting director in 2022 but is again closely linked with the Reds after being appointed as their owners, Fenway Sports Group, CEO of football.
But first, Al Hilal are prioritising their search for a new manager. They hope to appoint Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi in time for their Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid on June 18.
Paul Mitchell’s time at Newcastle United
Mitchell arrived at Newcastle with a strong recruitment background having worked at the likes of Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig and Monaco, however has failed to make a major signing on Tyneside.
That is in part down to Newcastle’s PSR situation and last summer walking into a “pre-defined strategy”. Mitchell was tasked with signing Eddie Howe’s top target Marc Guehi but walked away from a deal after Crystal Palace demanded around £70million.
Mitchell negotiated the sales of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in January, which have helped ensure the club heads into the summer transfer window in a healthy financial position. However, he won’t be around to oversee it, with head coach Howe set to have a leading say on transfers, like he did prior to Mitchell’s arrival.
Mitchell sparked a hot debate last September when he suggested spending big money on the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento was not fit for purpose.
Read More
On leaving, 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.”
Will Newcastle United appoint a new sporting director?
Newcastle will hold off a decision until a new chief executive has been appointed. The boardroom is set for major change in the coming weeks or months with Darren Eales due to step down because of health reasons.
PIF have appointed two different sporting directors at Newcastle but neither has really worked out.
Dan Ashworth joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2022, however the move turned sour just 20 months later after he signalled his intention to join Manchester United.
He was placed on gardening leave in February last year following an approach from the Red Devils but didn’t join until July. But like Mitchell, Ashworth’s stint was short, leaving his role at Old Trafford after just five months in December.
Continue Reading