“HE IS ALREADY SHOWING WORKINGS”- Paul Mitchell has swung into action as he is close to recording his first transfer deal for Newcastle United with €60m most sought-after PL star
Paul Mitchell has wasted no time in assuming his responsibilities as the newly appointed sporting director of Newcastle United, stepping into the shoes of Dan Ashworth after the club successfully negotiated his release from Manchester United. This appointment marks a significant coup for Newcastle, concluding a prolonged compensation negotiation period with Manchester United.
At 42 years old, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience in scouting and recruitment that spans various prestigious clubs. His career trajectory began at MK Dons before he made significant impacts at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, Red Bull Soccer International, and AS Monaco. Mitchell’s tenure at Southampton was particularly notable for his role in guiding the club to promotion to the Premier League and establishing them as consistent contenders in the upper echelons of the table, despite operating with a comparatively modest budget. His approach at RB Leipzig, where he combined traditional scouting methods with cutting-edge data analytics, positioned him as a pioneer in the field of player recruitment. Subsequently, Mitchell took on broader responsibilities as the technical director in Red Bull’s global football division, further solidifying his reputation as a strategic and innovative thinker in football management. His stint at Tottenham Hotspur was equally impactful, collaborating closely with Mauricio Pochettino to bring in key players like Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier, and Son Heung-min, shaping the team’s competitive edge in the Premier League and beyond.
Reports indicate that Newcastle’s pursuit of Mitchell began as early as March, although initially rebuffed by him. The club briefly turned their attention to Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace before ultimately convincing Mitchell to reconsider with the promise of greater autonomy in shaping the club’s transfer strategy.
During the protracted negotiation period with Ashworth, Mitchell quietly and diligently laid the groundwork for potential summer transfers, underscoring Newcastle’s satisfaction in keeping his recruitment under wraps until the official announcement.
Looking ahead, Newcastle’s interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto remains keen. The club is reportedly willing to invest significantly in acquiring a right-sided attacker this summer, with Neto emerging as a prime candidate despite injury setbacks last season. Valued at approximately £60 million, Neto’s talents have not gone unnoticed, with clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal also expressing interest in securing his services.
Mitchell’s arrival heralds a new chapter for Newcastle United, promising a strategic shift towards more assertive and ambitious transfer dealings under his stewardship. His track record and innovative approach position him as a pivotal figure in Newcastle’s bid to consolidate their position in the upper ranks of English football.