Newcastle United wants to secure Ross Wilson as their next sports director, with Chairman Yasir Al-Rumeyan and manager Eddie Hau supporting the move.
Magpies have had no permanent figure in the role since Paul Mitchell set out earlier this year, suppressing recruitment and long-term planning.
Now serving as Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer, Wilson has emerged as a top target. Magpies are believed to be working on an agreement to take him with them, and insiders are optimistic that they can close negotiations soon. According to Chronicle, the Newcastle hierarchy, which includes the public investment fund ownership group, reportedly approved the appointment after official terms were agreed with the forest.
The position of sports director has proven difficult to fill in at St. James Park, with both Dan Ashworth and Mitchell leaving soon. PIF sees Wilson as the ideal candidate who can bring structure to Newcastle’s recruitment strategy. His track record with the Rangers and Forest is particularly impressive in managing transfer transactions and overseeing football operations.
Howe wants a new sports director
For Eddie Howe, Wilson’s arrival marks a major boost. The manager openly called for the newcastle summer window to fill the ground by acknowledging that it was a challenge behind the scenes without proper leadership. Wilson will be in charge of negotiations and is expected to release Howe to focus on the pitch.
“I’m desperate for athletic director,” Howe said.
“We need that person, his expertise, that is an endless network.
“I had a very good relationship with Dan Ashworth. It was a very good relationship with Richard Hughes of Bournemouth. We need the right guy and we need to be satisfied with the position.”
Will Wilson land a Newcastle job soon?
There is no official confirmation yet, but it points to signs Wilson leaving the forest in friendly terms before stepping into one of Newcastle’s most influential roles. With David Hopkinson recently announced as CEO, Wilson’s addition will strengthen the club’s executive structure ahead of future transfer windows.