How Newcastle United will manage Paul Mitchell exit as Nottingham Forest raid ‘eyed’

The corridors of power at St James’ Park are undergoing significant transformation as Newcastle United prepare for the imminent departures of two pivotal figures in their football operations.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell and CEO Darren Eales are both set to exit the club this summer, leaving a substantial leadership vacuum during what promises to be one of the most consequential transfer windows in the club’s recent history.

Mitchell’s influence on Newcastle’s recruitment strategy remains palpable despite his pending departure, with the meticulous plans he helped formulate still guiding the club’s summer business.

However, come July, the Magpies will lose their primary negotiator and one of the most visible figures in their football operations – a development that could impact their ability to execute complex deals as the window reaches its critical phase.

In the interim, Newcastle will rely heavily on their existing recruitment infrastructure to maintain stability. Steve Nickson, the club’s long-serving head of recruitment, is expected to assume greater responsibility during this transitional period.

Having been instrumental in identifying talent for over a decade at St James’ Park, Nickson recently took a leading role in welcoming new signing Antonio Cordero to Tyneside – a visible sign of his elevated status.

He won’t be operating alone. Andy Howe, Eddie Howe’s nephew and the club’s assistant head of first-team recruitment, represents another trusted internal candidate poised to take on additional duties.

The 32-year-old has steadily climbed the ranks since joining from Bournemouth, earning respect for his talent identification skills and understanding of the manager’s tactical requirements.

The Search for Mitchell’s Successor

While no immediate appointment is expected, Newcastle’s hierarchy have begun the process of identifying Mitchell’s permanent replacement.

The Daily Mail suggests Nottingham Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson has emerged as a serious contender, bringing an impressive track record from his stints at Rangers, Southampton, and most recently, the City Ground.

Wilson’s potential appointment would add an intriguing subplot to Newcastle’s transfer business, given the club’s continued interest in Forest winger Anthony Elanga.

The Swedish international was the subject of a £35 million bid last summer, and fresh enquiries suggest Newcastle may revisit their pursuit – a move that could become diplomatically complex should Wilson make the switch to Tyneside.

The historical connection between Wilson and Mitchell adds another layer of narrative intrigue. The two executives previously crossed paths at Southampton in 2014 when Wilson succeeded Mitchell as head of recruitment, before both went on to establish themselves as two of the most respected operators in British football.

These executive changes coincide with several other major projects that will define Newcastle’s future. The club are evaluating sites for a new state-of-the-art training facility while simultaneously progressing plans for a stadium expansion in Leazes Park.

These infrastructure developments, combined with their return to Champions League football, demand stable leadership at a time of significant transition.

CEO Darren Eales’ departure due to health reasons further compounds the challenge, leaving multiple senior positions requiring urgent attention.

Before Mitchell’s appointment last summer, Newcastle had shown interest in Dougie Freedman (currently at Al-Diriyah) and Brentford’s Phil Giles – suggesting the club may cast their net wide in this crucial recruitment process.

Strategic Implications for the Transfer Window

The timing of these departures presents both risks and opportunities. While continuity is preserved through Nickson and Howe’s increased involvement, the lack of a permanent sporting director could hinder Newcastle’s ability to compete for top targets as the window progresses.

The club’s interest in Elanga demonstrates their intention to be proactive, but more complex negotiations may require the authority and experience only a fully empowered executive can provide.

For now, Newcastle appear confident their existing structure can navigate these changes without disrupting their summer plans.

However, the coming weeks will reveal whether this faith is justified, or if the absence of key decision-makers will force a recalibration of their ambitions in what promises to be a transformative window for the club.