Report: What Paul Mitchell is now determined to do before he leaves Newcastle next month

As Paul Mitchell prepares to conclude his brief but eventful tenure as Newcastle United’s sporting director, the 43-year-old has set himself one final objective before his scheduled departure at the end of June.

Despite overseeing a relatively quiet transfer window during his eleven-month stint, Mitchell remains determined to deliver at least one statement signing that could reshape Newcastle’s trajectory in the post-Mitchell era.

The former Monaco and RB Leipzig executive arrived at St James’ Park last summer with considerable pedigree, tasked with building upon the club’s remarkable Champions League qualification.

However, Financial Fair Play constraints and the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations significantly hampered his ability to make the kind of high-profile acquisitions that had been anticipated.

Mitchell’s transfer activity was limited to pragmatic signings like Odysseas Vlachodimos, William Osula, and John Ruddy, along with the since-departed Lloyd Kelly – business that fell short of the transformative deals many supporters had hoped for.

According to The Telegraph, Mitchell views his final weeks at the club as an opportunity to rectify this situation. Far from being a lame duck executive, he remains actively involved in Newcastle’s recruitment strategy, working closely with manager Eddie Howe, head of recruitment Steve Nickson, and his nephew Andy Mitchell to identify and pursue key targets. This collaborative approach has yielded a shortlist of premium talents that could elevate Newcastle’s squad to new heights.

At the forefront of Mitchell’s ambitions are two Premier League-proven stars: Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The England international defender represents precisely the caliber of signing that has eluded Mitchell during his time on Tyneside.

Guehi’s contractual situation – with just twelve months remaining on his current deal and no indication he intends to renew – presents Newcastle with a rare opportunity to acquire an elite center-back without the usual premium associated with English talent.

His composure in possession, leadership qualities, and familiarity with Howe’s system make him an ideal candidate to shore up a defense that conceded more goals than any other top-seven side last season.

Equally enticing is the prospect of bringing Brentford’s dynamic winger Bryan Mbeumo to the Northeast. The Cameroonian international’s electrifying pace and improved end product (20 goals last season) would add a new dimension to Newcastle’s attack, providing much-needed support for Alexander Isak in the goalscoring department.

At 25, Mbeumo represents both an immediate upgrade and a long-term asset, fitting perfectly with the club’s strategy of acquiring players entering their prime years.

Mitchell’s determination to secure at least one of these targets before his departure speaks volumes about his professional pride. Despite the mutual consent nature of his exit, sources suggest the outgoing sporting director feels a sense of unfinished business after financial constraints limited his ability to make his mark.

This final push demonstrates his commitment to leaving Newcastle in a stronger position than when he arrived, even as his own future lies elsewhere.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Mitchell can overcome the dual challenges of tight budgets and competition from wealthier rivals to deliver on this ambition.

Success would provide a fitting conclusion to his brief Newcastle chapter, while failure would underscore the difficulties the club continues to face in navigating the Premier League’s financial regulations.

Either way, Mitchell’s final act at St James’ Park promises to be one of the more intriguing subplots of Newcastle’s summer transfer activity.

Beyond the immediate targets, Mitchell’s departure raises broader questions about Newcastle’s recruitment structure moving forward. His successor will inherit a squad still in transition – one that requires careful reinforcement to balance domestic and European commitments.

The new sporting director must build upon Mitchell’s groundwork while bringing their own vision to a project that remains one of the most ambitious in English football.

For now, all eyes remain on whether Mitchell can translate his determination into concrete results. In the high-stakes world of Premier League transfers, legacy is often measured in signings rather than tenure.

As the countdown to his departure begins, Paul Mitchell has one last chance to ensure his Newcastle story includes the kind of transformative acquisition that could shape the club’s future long after he’s gone. The stage is set for a dramatic final act in what has been a brief but fascinating chapter in Newcastle United’s ongoing evolution.