Olympique de Marseille’s search for a new sporting director has taken a decisive turn and now includes Paul Mitchell, and it would be his first role since Newcastle United.
Foot Mercato report that Mitchell, who has been a free agent since leaving Newcastle in June last year, could now be set for a return in France.
Big reputation
Foot Mercato report that Marseille are stepping up their efforts to find a successor to Medhi Benatia. That’s seen the French side cast their net wide.
While several potential names have surfaced in the press in recent days, including to Italian Cristiano Giuntoli, one name that keeps coming up repeatedly is Paul Mitchell.
According to the outlet, the 45-year-old is backed by a ‘wealth of compelling arguments’ in his favour. His reputation is ‘firmly established’ on the European market.
Mitchell has worked at various clubs in Europe, including Southampton, Tottenham, RB Leipzig, Monaco and Newcastle United. It was his time in Ligue 1 with Monaco that’s left the biggest impression on Marseille.
Impressive Monaco work
He arrived in Monaco with a mandate to restructure a club in distress and was successful, putting them back in their ‘rightful place’ among the league’s elite.
During his tenure, he significantly modernised the academy, establishing the ‘Elite Group’, strengthened the relationship with Cercle Brugge and reconnected the Monegasque institution with its historical roots. Marseille are aware of all of this.
He continued his success during a one-year stint at Newcastle. FM say he ‘established himself’ at St James Park as one of the Magpies’ leading figures, playing a key role in the Carabao Cup success.
Marseille aware
Marseille are very aware of his success. In fact, they tried to hire him in the past. And the fact he’s a free agent after leaving Newcastle makes him very attractive.
In fact, according to FM, he ‘ticks all the boxes’. He has an international network and is fluent in English, French and Spanishpe. He also rfectly aligns with the expectations of Marseille’s leadership.
The French side want someone who can take on a leadership role while focusing heavily, and eagerly, on developing talent in the youth academy. Mitchell fits the bill.
Marseille have not moved yet, but they have him on their list and clearly value him highly. The fact he left Newcastle after just a year, isn’t even seen as a negative. In fact, his free agent status has just made him more attractive.