‘It’s done, I know this for a fact’ – Newcastle have just landed stellar talent
Newcastle United have just landed a “bit of a talent” as their transfer window takes another twist.
Eddie Howe’s side have missed out on a number of transfer targets already this summer, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Bryan Mbeumo being snapped up by Premier League rivals.
To make matters worse, star striker Alexander Isak has now told the club that he wants to leave, amid interest from Liverpool.
Off the pitch, Newcastle have made a change to their transfer department, bringing in Atlanta’s Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as their new technical director.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the Magpies are not prioritising the right appointments.
‘Newcastle need CEO and sporting director in place’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that it is a surprise that Newcastle have appointed Gopaladesikan without having a CEO or sporting director in place.
The Tyneside club are currently working to fill both roles, after the departures of Darren Eales and Paul Mitchell.
Wyness added that despite his concerns, Gopaladesikan is well-equipped in terms of the technical data side of things.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “From what I’ve seen and read about him, I don’t know him personally, but he does seem to be very well equipped in terms of the technical data side.
“What I find strange is that there is no chief executive in place to replace Darren Eales yet, and also no sporting director, and normally a sporting director and a chief executive would have put in place the technical director. So things are being done in a different way.
“Look, PIF are obviously very process-driven. I know this for a fact, and want everything to be done in a certain process. That’s why I’m slightly surprised that they’ve gone away from the normal process of hiring and hierarchy. But anyway, that’s the way it’s being done.
“Gopaladesikan, as I understand, is a bit of a talent, a bit of a rain man in terms of some of the players that he’s spotted, so good luck to him.
“He’s got to fit into that structure and work out the internal politics and the way decisions are made, but obviously he’s process-driven as well, which is what the PIF will want to see.”
Bruno Guimaraes shares exclusive Alexander Isak update
Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes has shared the latest update on Isak’s situation at Newcastle after he asked to leave the club.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Howe’s squad touched down in Singapore ahead of their pre-season tour, the 27-year-old explained that the club will deal with the situation, while he insisted the Sweden international has remained in Newcastle due to an injury.
The official word coming from the Magpies remains that he is struggling with a minor thigh injury sustained during their training camp in Austria.
However, reports say that the Sweden international was left at home at his own request as he has asked to leave Newcastle and is actively seeking a move.
For more Newcastle and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.