Newcastle United official announcement – Sudarshan Gopaladesikan appointed | OneFootball

Newcastle United have appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan.

An official club announcement on Monday revealing the news.

Sudarshan Gopaladesikan takes on the role of Technical Director at Newcastle United.

The new appointment arrives from Serie A.

Sudarshan Gopaladesikan having moved to Tyneside from his role of Director of Football Intelligence at Atalanta BC.

Newcastle United official announcement – 21 July 2025:

‘Newcastle United have appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as the club’s Technical Director.

Reporting into a new Sporting Director, Sudarshan – known as Suds – will lead the club’s football data operations, working closely with Eddie Howe and his coaching staff and the club’s performance, medical, analysis, methodology and recruitment teams.

His role will be dedicated to implementing data-informed practices across all sporting departments throughout men’s, women’s and Academy teams.

Suds joins the Magpies after leaving Italian side Atalanta BC, where he was Director of Football Intelligence. During his time in Bergamo, Atalanta secured three consecutive top five finishes in Serie A, won the UEFA Europa League and reached a Coppa Italia final.

Prior to his move to Italy, he was Head of Sports Data Science at Portuguese side SL Benfica. In his five seasons in Lisbon, Benfica’s men’s team won the Primeira Liga title and reached the quarter-finals of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, while Benfica’s women’s team won two national titles. Meanwhile, Benfica’s academy reached the UEFA Youth League final twice and won the 2021/22 edition of the tournament.

Outside of his club experience, Suds lectures for FIFA’s Executive Education programmes and the PFA Business School on data-driven decision making.

Suds said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Newcastle United as Technical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with clubs that have deeply passionate fanbases, and Newcastle stands out for its unique connection between the team, the city and its supporters.

“I’m excited to work alongside the club’s talented staff to identify what helps give us a competitive edge. Most of all, I’m looking forward to experiencing the incredible matchday atmosphere at St. James’ Park and being part of this proud football family and community.”