Former Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell could be back in work soon
Sporting Director Paul Mitchell arrives
Sporting Director Paul Mitchell arrives(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell is in contention to land a similar position at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal - a club majority-owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund.
The former Magpies chief departed St James’ Park earlier this year, leaving his post after just shy of 12 months in the north east.
Mitchell felt it was the right time to step away from the Tyneside position after enduring a tricky start to life at Newcastle and limited transfer success due to Profit and Sustainability battles fought during his short tenure.
Now, Al-Hilal are seeking to bolster their boardroom and see Mitchell as a leading contender for oversee their transfer business.
The Saudi side recently hired Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi just days after the Italian side were beaten 5-0 in the Champions League final.
This summer, Al-Hilal have already added the likes of Darwin Nunez and Theo Hernandez to an already stacked squad which includes big names such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Meanwhile, back on Tyneside, United are attempting to finish the summer in a strong fashion despite early turmoil behind the scenes.
“Yeah, well, my phone exploded," Howe said of learning about Mitchell's departure.
"I think I was enjoying my second day of my holiday. And that quickly went sour because then suddenly I'm like 'oh'.
“So yeah, it was the second day. I didn't know. It was a complete surprise to me and a big disappointment because we had stability.
“We were planning the summer ahead. And then, you know, that's a big upheaval internally that we've been through before with Dan Ashworth leaving. So I've experienced before, and I know sort of the cost that that departure comes with.
“It wasn't a good first couple of days on holiday for me!”
United haven't fared too badly despite missing out on a bunch of top targets, landing Aaron Ramsdale and Anthony Elanga in recent weeks. Malick Thiaw, the 24-year-old AC Milan defender, is also set to be unveiled as a Magpies signing this week.
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