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EXCLUSIVE- Just few moments after announcement, Magpies has made keeping of £300m trio, £100m warchest and the forward conundrum as first priority task for the new Sporting director

Newcastle United have announced the appointment of Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director. Mitchell, who brings with him a wealth of experience from successful tenures at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, and Monaco, will step into the role previously held by Dan Ashworth. Ashworth recently departed to join Manchester United, leaving a significant gap that Mitchell is expected to fill. With a busy summer ahead, Mitchell will need to hit the ground running as Newcastle aims to make strategic moves in the transfer market.

Mitchell’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Newcastle, as the club prepares for an ambitious transfer window. The sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh have provided financial flexibility, allowing Newcastle to invest heavily without breaching profit and sustainability regulations. However, the club must also consider offloading certain players to streamline the squad and make room for new talent. Chronicle Live has identified five key tasks that Mitchell must prioritize immediately.

For Newcastle to progress and solidify their position at the top end of the Premier League, it is imperative to secure the futures of their core players: Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Alexander Isak. These players have been pivotal in the team’s recent successes and are integral to their future plans. Despite speculation linking them with moves to other top clubs, including Manchester City, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea, Newcastle must make it clear that these players are not for sale. Although selling them could potentially bring in around £300 million, their value to the team far exceeds any monetary gain.

Newcastle’s primary targets in this transfer window include acquiring a new right-winger and a centre-half. The team has already bolstered its defense with the signings of Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth and goalkeepers Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy. With a substantial budget available, the club is poised to make significant investments in these areas. One notable target is West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, though securing his services may require a hefty bid. Additionally, Miguel Almiron’s potential move to Saudi Arabia could facilitate the arrival of a new right-winger. To address the centre-half position, especially with injuries to Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman, Newcastle is monitoring players like Malick Thiaw, Riccardo Calafiori, Fikayo Tomori, and Max Kilman.

Callum Wilson, now 32 and coming off an injury-plagued season, faces an uncertain future at Newcastle. With only one year left on his contract, clubs like West Ham United and teams in Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in the prolific striker. Although Wilson has been a key player, second only to Alan Shearer in Premier League goals for Newcastle, the club must decide whether to cash in on him now. If they do, finding an adequate replacement is crucial, with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin already being linked as a potential successor.

Newcastle currently has five goalkeepers on their roster but only four available spots. With Nick Pope as the clear first choice and recent signings Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy joining the squad, it appears that Martin Dubravka’s time at the club may be coming to an end. Dubravka, who has been a reliable presence at St James’ Park for over six years, has drawn interest from Celtic, as well as clubs in Germany and Saudi Arabia. Moving him on would align with the club’s strategy to streamline the squad.

A pressing issue for Mitchell will be to address the contract statuses of 13 players who are entering the final year of their deals. This includes key first-team members like Sean Longstaff, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, and Emil Krafth. Decisions must be made on whether to offer new contracts or to sell these players to avoid losing them on free transfers next summer. Returning loanees Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser are also in the final year of their contracts, and Newcastle will likely seek to move them on. Additionally, the futures of goalkeepers John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, as well as young talent Joe White, who has a crucial season ahead to prove his worth, will need to be assessed.

In conclusion, Paul Mitchell’s appointment marks a significant step for Newcastle United as they prepare for a transformative summer. His extensive experience and strategic acumen will be essential in navigating the complexities of the transfer market and ensuring the club’s continued ascent in the Premier League.