Paul Mitchell could be in line for a new job after almost a year out of the game following his Newcastle United departure
Paul Mitchell, right
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Former Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell is in the frame to become Marseille's sporting director, according to reports in France.
Mitchell has been out of the game for 10 months since leaving his role at St James' Park at the end of June last year but he is among the shortlist to succeed outgoing sporting director Mehdi Benatia at the Stade Velodrome.
Former Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is also expected to be in the mix for the job but a report in Foot Mercato suggests les Olympiens see Mitchell as the perfect candidate for the job.
His international experience appeals to Marseille, given he has not only worked as a sporting director in France with Monaco, but also in Germany with RB Leipzig and, of course, England across spells with MK Dons, Southampton, Tottenham and Newcastle.
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Marseille have targeted Mitchell in the past and the fact he is currently not attached to a club makes him even more appealing to the French giants.
The 45-year-old spent a year as Newcastle's sporting director between 2024 and 2025 but his time at the club did not yield any signings for the first team.
Some of his comments at the time did not land well with Eddie Howe or the club's players by suggesting the club's transfer policy was 'not fit for purpose'.
Nonetheless, Mitchell thanked Howe, and everybody associated with the club, when it was announced he would be leaving the club via mutual consent last summer.
"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," Mitchell said.
"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."
Should Mitchell land the job it will see him working closely with former Newcastle defender Habib Beye, who is currently Marseille's head coach.