‘Newcastle accelerate surprise Paul Mitchell replacement plan’ as ‘whispers’ emerge
Paul Mitchell’s shock Newcastle United departure was announced on Tuesday (27 May) – with the sporting director set to leave by mutual consent next month.
He has been at St James’ Park for just under 12 months and becomes the second transfer chief to leave since the club’s Saudi-backed takeover – with Dan Ashworth quitting to join Man United before Mitchell’s arrival.
It has been widely reported that Mitchell had a frosty relationship with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe – who has earned legendary status at the club with his performance in the dugout.
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 – insisted Newcastle could come up with a shock plan to replace Mitchell ahead of potential transfer “turmoil” this summer.
Howe could now lead Newcastle recruitment, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed Eddie Howe could now be placed in charge of recruitment at Newcastle.
Such a decision would come as a shock in the Premier League, with most top-flight clubs employing a director of football or sporting director to lead transfer business.
Wyness insisted a move to the “older model” involving managers may be necessary at Newcastle.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, is going to be leaving the club.
“That’s a big move for Newcastle, considering he’s only been at the club a year.
“There have always been whispers about him not getting on with Eddie Howe. I don’t know if that’s the case.
“But it’s been less than a year, he came in during pre-season last summer, hasn’t had a chance to make a difference in the market – but he’s going.
“That will add some turmoil in a crucial period as they look to strengthen this squad.
“I think there will be big movement, but now it looks like Eddie Howe will be the one taking control of those decisions.
“It may be that they don’t replace Mitchell.
“A similar thing is happening at Everton with David Moyes. Maybe we’re getting back to the older model, where key managers have a bigger say in the business.”
Newcastle plot Kudus raid
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (28 May) that Newcastle are looking closely at West Ham star Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus, 24, features high on the shortlist at Newcastle and they are now exploring a potential swoop for the West Ham star.
The Magpies are prioritising a move for a new right-winger this summer despite the form of Jacob Murphy.
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