Ross Wilson has reportedly given his verbal agreement to join Newcastle United as their new sporting director, marking what could be another major step forward for the club’s long-term project under the current ownership.
According to multiple reports from English media, including Sky Sports and The Guardian, Newcastle are in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest over Wilson’s appointment, with personal terms already agreed between both parties.
The only detail left unresolved is the compensation package that would allow the 41-year-old to make the move to Tyneside.
Newcastle have been searching for a sporting director since the summer, following Paul Mitchell’s departure, and Wilson has emerged as their top choice after weeks of careful evaluation.
The club believes his experience, structure-driven approach, and understanding of football operations make him the perfect candidate to support Eddie Howe and help elevate Newcastle’s sporting strategy to the next level.
Wilson’s move to St James’ Park would not only bring a seasoned administrator with proven success but also someone known for modernising football structures wherever he goes.
Since joining Nottingham Forest in early 2023, he has had a significant influence behind the scenes, helping reshape the club’s recruitment model, improve their academy, and strengthen the women’s team.
His leadership has also overseen upgrades to Forest’s medical and performance departments, helping to align every arm of the club under a unified football vision.
His work at Forest built on the reputation he earned in Scotland, where he served as Rangers’ sporting director. At Rangers, Wilson played a key role in transforming the club into a title-winning side, leading strategic recruitment, managing player development pathways, and helping restore the club’s competitive edge in Europe.
That track record made him an attractive target for several Premier League clubs, with Newcastle emerging as the clear front-runner.
Sources close to the deal suggest that Newcastle’s board has been impressed not just by Wilson’s recruitment skills, but by his broader vision for footballing operations from youth development and scouting to the integration of sports science and data analytics.
The hierarchy at St James’ Park views him as a long-term piece in their mission to build a sustainable model capable of competing with England’s elite.
While the verbal agreement is already in place, Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis has been reluctant to let Wilson leave. Forest have seen significant progress in their off-field organisation under his leadership, and losing him midway through the season would represent a major blow.
However, Wilson has made his desire to move clear, and Newcastle’s negotiations with Forest are believed to be in the final stages as both clubs look to settle on a compensation figure.
If all goes according to plan, Wilson could arrive in time to have an active role in the upcoming winter transfer window a key period for Eddie Howe’s team.
Newcastle are preparing to strengthen their squad to cope with both domestic and European commitments, and the addition of a well-connected, experienced sporting director could make a huge difference in transfer planning and execution.
For Eddie Howe, Wilson’s appointment represents more than just another executive signing. It’s about reinforcing the club’s structure so that every decision from scouting and youth recruitment to first-team development aligns with a long-term strategy.
The Magpies are no longer just looking to compete season by season; they are building a system that can sustain success for years to come.
Ross Wilson’s move to Newcastle marks yet another statement of intent from the club’s ownership. In recent years, Newcastle United have not only focused on bringing in top players but also world-class professionals behind the scenes from executives to analysts to coaches each playing a part in building a modern football powerhouse.
Wilson’s arrival, once officially confirmed, is expected to complete an important piece of Newcastle’s organisational puzzle. His presence will strengthen the link between the boardroom and the pitch, ensuring that Eddie Howe and his team have the full structural support needed to achieve the club’s ambitions.
While final details still need to be resolved, it’s clear that Newcastle United are determined to secure his services as soon as possible.
The Magpies want Wilson in position before January, ready to influence transfer plans, oversee long-term infrastructure projects, and continue the cultural evolution already underway at the club.
If the deal is finalised in the coming days, Ross Wilson will step into one of the most exciting roles in English football joining a Newcastle project that has both momentum and ambition.
And for the Toon Army, his appointment would be another clear sign that the club is thinking big, building smart, and preparing for sustained success at the highest level.
