Newcastle United have made fresh progress as they look to finalise the appointment of a new sporting director, a role viewed as the missing piece in the jigsaw of their football department.
The club’s hope is to secure the appointment of Ross Wilson, who is chief football officer at Nottingham Forest, before the end of the month and it’s understood the deal is now at an advanced stage.
Newcastle have been operating without a sporting director since Paul Mitchell departed back in May. The job is viewed as crucial by majority owners PIF, who have been the driving force behind changes in the football department during 2025 that have included the creation of a new technical director post and promoting Jack Ross to head of football strategy.
Newcastle assembled an interim football team during a difficult summer in the transfer window, with Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy effectively acting as the de facto sporting director while co-owner Jamie Reuben also took a frontline role in finalising moves.
After suffering some high-profile knockbacks in their pursuit of players Newcastle ended the summer by brokering a club record deal for Nick Woltemade, alongside moves for Yoane Wissa and Malick Thiaw. But that was only ever intended as a temporary solution and Newcastle want to get their ducks in a row well ahead of the next transfer window in January.
There has also been a sense behind the scenes that some longer term decisions are waiting until the appointment of Mitchell’s successor, which is why expediting a move for a sporting director has been viewed as crucial.
The appointment of CEO David Hopkinson has reinvigorated Newcastle after a summer spent fighting fires, but it is likely to be the new sporting director who drives many of the big football decisions at the club while he concentrates – among other things – on the task of driving revenue.
For instance, the Magpies are holding off on opening contract talks with star midfielder Sandro Tonali until a new sporting director is in place. However, The i Paper understands that the Italy international – along with Tino Livramento and Sven Botman – is in line for a new deal if terms can be thrashed out.
Tonali’s contract does not expire until 2028 but Newcastle intend to reward their stars for their part in helping the club’s progression. He was recently hailed as the “best midfielder in the Premier League” by Paul Scholes and recent performances have cemented his position as one of the club’s most important players.
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There is also a feeling that Livramento – who is currently recovering from a knee injury – deserves new terms in line with his elevated status. The England international, who is looking to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, was courted by Manchester City last summer.
Alignment on key decisions will be important at Newcastle. If it is to be Wilson he is viewed as a different character and perhaps an easier fit for the role than Mitchell. He also knows Howe, who is by far the most important football figure at Newcastle.
The manager has bristled at the idea that he doesn’t want to work parallel to a sporting director, telling reporters last month he is “desperate” for someone to fill the role and lighten the burden on him.
“We need the position filled, but ideally with the right man, the man who can lead the club forward in many different ways to a very successful era,” he said.
“I’m fully supportive of the position.” The indications are that he could soon get that his wish.
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