Report: Familiar face emerges as interesting Paul Mitchell replacement candidate at Newcastle United
Newcastle United find themselves searching for a new sporting director once again after Paul Mitchell confirmed his departure at the end of June.
While the club’s summer transfer plans remain unaffected, the hunt for Mitchell’s successor has already begun, with an unexpected yet intriguing name surfacing as a potential candidate—former Magpies striker Demba Ba.
The 43-year-old Mitchell leaves big shoes to fill, and the Newcastle hierarchy is taking a measured approach in identifying the right replacement.
Some supporters have voiced their support for Steve Nickson, the club’s current head of recruitment, who was previously considered for the role by Amanda Staveley. However, no immediate decision is expected, leaving the door open for other contenders.
Among them is Ba, a player still fondly remembered at St James’ Park. According to The i Paper, the former Senegalese forward has admirers within the club, and the feeling appears mutual.
Ba has publicly praised Eddie Howe’s work at Newcastle, suggesting he believes the manager can bring sustained success to Tyneside. Since retiring from football, Ba has transitioned into a front-office role, making waves as director of football and minority owner at French second-tier side USL Dunkerque.
His impact there has been transformative, earning him recognition beyond Ligue 2—most notably with links to a potential sporting director role at Rennes.
Ba’s connection to Newcastle runs deeper than just nostalgia. During his 18-month spell at the club, he became a fan favorite, scoring 29 goals in 58 appearances under Alan Pardew before his controversial move to Chelsea in January 2013.
His time on Tyneside was also marked by an unforgettable interview ahead of a match against Manchester United in 2012, where he famously confessed his love for strawberry syrup.
“I love syrup,” Ba told Sky Sports with a grin. “You know what syrup is? Strawberry syrup. [I have it] every day. Always when I drink water, I put syrup in it.” When questioned whether it was good for him, he simply laughed and replied, “I guess!” The syrup must have worked—Ba scored in a resounding 3-0 victory that day, further cementing his status as a cult hero.
Now 40, Ba’s career has taken a different path, but his understanding of the game, combined with his growing reputation in football administration, makes him a fascinating option for Newcastle.
His experience as a player at the highest level, coupled with his recent success in rebuilding Dunkerque, suggests he could bring a fresh perspective to the role.
While the Magpies are in no rush to make an appointment, Ba’s emergence as a candidate adds an exciting dimension to the search. His deep affection for the club, combined with his burgeoning executive career, could make him the ideal figure to help shape Newcastle’s future.
Whether he ultimately lands the role remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his potential return would be a story as sweet as the strawberry syrup he once swore by.
As Newcastle weigh their options, fans will be watching closely to see if this beloved former player can transition from the pitch to the boardroom, bringing the same passion and intelligence that once made him a hero in black and white.