Newcastle United announce sporting director Paul Mitchell is set to depart the club | OneFootball

Newcastle United’s sporting director Paul Mitchell is set to leave the club in June, just one year after taking over from his predecessor Dan Ashworth.

Appointed in 2024, Mitchell brought with him a wealth of experience from previous roles at AS Monaco, RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur, and Southampton.

He earned recognition for identifying top-level talent such as Sadio Mané and Heung-Min Son, players who have gone on to excel in the Premier League.

But he has had to deal with some big challenges at Newcastle, with the club impacted by the Profit and Sustainability rules of the Premier League, which forced the club to sell players such as Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh and made signing players difficult.

He also hit the headlines earlier this season when he told reporters the club’s transfer policy was club’s “not fit for purpose” before his arrival.

And he is now set to depart by mutual consent, with Mitchell saying in a statement: “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.”

Newcastle United, in turn, thanked Mitchell for his professionalism and contributions during his tenure.

Newcastle said in their statement: “Paul leaves with the club’s best wishes and the board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.”

With his departure imminent, head coach Eddie Howe is expected to gain greater autonomy in recruitment but the club is now considering several internal candidates to fill the sporting director role.

Newcastle will need to act quickly, as the upcoming summer transfer window is expected to be one of the club’s busiest in recent history.

A return to Champions League football means expectations are high, with the club aiming to build a squad that can compete on multiple fronts.