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New York Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Newcastle squad audit: Champions League quality is needed. Who makes way and who stays?
Eddie Howe may insist he does not envisage a 'squad overhaul' at Newcastle United, but a busy summer of transfer activity is expected at St James' Park. Around four first-team additions are being sought, while several players' careers appear to have reached their natural conclusion. Yet despite Newcastle being at this critical juncture, they risk having a vacuum of leadership, with Darren Eales, the CEO, set to leave for health reasons, and Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, departing on June 30. Advertisement Howe has made his impatience for activity clear, but just who will lead negotiations in their absence? The Athletic has conducted an in-depth audit of Newcastle's squad by position, looking at which players they are determined to keep and which face uncertain futures… Nick Pope (contracted until 2026) Martin Dubravka (2026); John Ruddy (2025); Mark Gillespie (2025) No Premier League club employed more goalkeepers than Newcastle last season, which feels remarkable given the lingering uncertainty in a position that remains a priority for strengthening. Having tried to buy Burnley's James Trafford last summer, the 22-year-old remains their top target. He is far closer to their desired age profile and is better equipped to play out with his feet. Pope, who has been linked with Leeds United, remains Newcastle's first choice and is an excellent shot-stopper, but he is now 33, his distribution out of feet is a weakness, and he has been hampered by injury. Howe, though, loves him and is keen to retain Pope and build competition. During Pope's absence last winter, Howe persuaded Dubravka to commit his immediate future to Tyneside — he had interest from Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia — but having lost his place again, the 36-year-old Slovakia goalkeeper may be open to moving. The contribution of 38-year-old John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, 33, is valued, where both help set standards, but the pair are out of contract. There are big decisions to be made, with Fraser Forster and Tim Krul linked as third- or fourth-choice goalkeepers who would provide an additional 'club-trained player' to aid Newcastle's compliance with UEFA's homegrown rules for the Champions League. Odysseas Vlachodimos (2029) Newcastle would be receptive to offers for a 31-year-old goalkeeper they had not been seeking but were obliged to sign for an extraordinary £20million ($27.1m) last summer — the price of selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest as Newcastle struggled to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Vlachodimos has made one substitute appearance and was available in each of the past two windows, but chose to stay. Who might be interested in him is another question, and a loan exit appears most likely given the knock-on effect selling Vlachodimos in a cut-price deal may have on Newcastle's PSR (given his fee was amortised over his contract). Sven Botman (2027); Dan Burn (2027); Fabian Schar (2026) Burn and Schar were stalwarts throughout 2024-25. Burn was a strong candidate to be The Athletic's Newcastle player of the season, after scoring the iconic opening goal in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and then immediately making his debut for England. The 33-year-old, whose leadership is vital, was rewarded with an improved contract and is continuing to develop. Advertisement Like Burn, Botman is naturally left-sided and, at 25, is significantly younger. After multiple knee injuries, the Dutchman is yet to return to his best, but his quality is inarguable and he has been tried as a right-sided option, too. Schar remains integral, having extended his contract until 2026 in April. But he is also 33, and right-sided centre-half is an area Howe has long sought reinforcements. Given his skill in possession and ability to pass long, replacing Schar will not be an easy — or cheap — task. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi was the subject of a long (and failed) pursuit in August and is still a target. Jamaal Lascelles (2026) As The Athletic revealed in April, Newcastle have extended their club captain's contract until next summer. As with Botman, Lascelles has been recovering from a long-term knee injury and has not featured since March 2024. While Howe greatly values the 31-year-old's off-field influence — Lascelles remains club captain and Bruno Guimaraes, the on-field skipper, and Kieran Trippier, the vice-captain, chose to lift the League Cup as a trio with the centre-back — his pathway to greater playing time will be blocked further if Newcastle make the signing they desire. Lewis Hall (2029); Tino Livramento (2028) Until he succumbed to a foot injury in February, Hall had arguably been Newcastle's most consistent performer last season and was certainly their most-improved player. After a difficult first year, the 20-year-old left-back made the position his own, earning senior England recognition. Livramento began the season at right-back and endured moments of difficulty, but the 22-year-old deputised for Hall and grew in confidence. When the pair were signed in 2023, the idea was that Newcastle were future-proofing the full-back positions, a notion which now appears to be reaching fruition. Newcastle are determined to rebuff interest in Livramento, with some of Europe's top clubs casting envious glances. Advertisement Kieran Trippier (2026); Emil Krafth (2026); Leo Shahar (unknown); Alex Murphy (unknown) Trippier was a statement signing for Howe post-takeover, lifting standards as well as the quality of the team. A testing spell off the pitch has coincided with Trippier losing his status as an automatic starter and with Guimaraes now playing captain, the 34-year-old has been open to seeking a fresh start. Whether at Wembley or in the Premier League, Trippier reminded everyone of his ability in the second half of the season, even if he is less robust physically now. Howe loves him, but can he persuade the right-back to stay for another season? Krafth is also much admired for his quiet, unselfish professionalism and versatility — he is solid at full-back or centre-half — but in first-team terms, he is a stand-in rather than a standout and, at 30, he is not going to improve exponentially or increase in value. Which is different to saying that he is not valued; Champions League football will stretch Howe's resources. Murphy, the 20-year-old, was loaned to Bolton Wanderers in January and has struggled to really break into the Newcastle side. Shahar, the 18-year-old, has trained with the senior side since February and has impressed, and the early idea seems to be for the full-back to stay, play in the UEFA Youth League and continue to develop under Howe, before a potential loan in January. Matt Targett (2026); Jamal Lewis (2025); Harrison Ashby (unknown) Theoretically, Targett has been available for several windows, but the 29-year-old remains a dependable performer when available. Fitness problems limited him to five appearances last season and should a decent offer be made, he may leave. Lewis' contract is up and the 27-year-old left-back, whose left-field loan to Sao Paulo was cut short due to injury, will depart. Ashby, the 23-year-old right-back, spent 2024-25 on loan at Queens Park Rangers and does not appear to be part of Howe's plans. Bruno Guimaraes (2028); Sandro Tonali (2028); Joelinton (2028); Lewis Miley (2029) Midfield is Newcastle's strong suit and the one area where they have depth and options. In 27-year-old Guimaraes, 25-year-old Tonali, and 28-year-old Joelinton, Howe possesses a midfield three which combines athleticism, energy, power, aggression and supreme quality. They may just be the most adept trio in the Premier League. Advertisement After a breakthrough campaign in 2023-24 when he took advantage of the team's crippling injury list, Miley endured a more frustrating 2024-25, but the 19-year-old is still viewed as fundamental to Newcastle's future. There will be options for him to broaden his experience on loan, but this is unlikely to be countenanced. The club would not welcome interest in any of this quartet and are confident that they would be able to reject it anyway. Joe Willock (2027); Joe White (unknown) In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury. Nobody is pushing for the 25-year-old to leave, but offers may have to be considered for PSR purposes. A fresh start might suit everybody. After a successful spell at MK Dons, it is unclear what will happen with White. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is unlikely to be part of Howe's first-team plans, so a loan or exit may be forthcoming. Sean Longstaff (2026); Isaac Hayden (2026) Howe resurrected Longstaff's career and his constant running and willingness to do the ugly things were vital. As Newcastle's style has developed and with Tonali excelling in a deeper midfield role, Longstaff has fallen out of contention. The 27-year-old had options to leave in January and it now feels likely he will go; as an academy graduate, any fee would represent pure profit, which will help Newcastle's PSR position. The complication in letting the midfielder leave is UEFA's homegrown rules, given Longstaff is their only senior 'club-trained player'. Hayden has been surplus to requirements during most of Howe's tenure. The 30-year-old went to Portsmouth in January, where he played 17 times, but a permanent exit may be negotiated. Alexander Isak (2028); Jacob Murphy (2027); William Osula (2029) Isak is Newcastle's jewel in the crown, a player coveted by most clubs but whose departure would also be most keenly felt. Although his fitness and form drifted in 2024-25, he became the first Newcastle player to score 20 Premier League goals in successive seasons. Tying the 25-year-old down to an enhanced contract is a priority; an already complicated negotiation has become even more challenging due to Mitchell and Eales' departures, too. Advertisement Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward. Osula's potential is rated by the coaching staff and he clearly has aggression and promise, but the 21-year-old still looks raw (and maybe better suited to a wide-forward berth). A loan is not entirely out of the question. Murphy enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring eight league goals and providing 12 assists, the most behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. A right-winger is highly likely to arrive, but Howe ideally wants to retain the 30-year-old's skillset and competitive instincts. Anthony Gordon (2029); Harvey Barnes (2028); Trevan Sanusi (unknown) Lumping Gordon and Barnes here is a little forced, but the feeling remains that two into one doesn't go. Gordon, 24, was brilliant for Newcastle in 2023-24, but last season was laborious from the start, with the England player unsettled by summer interest from Liverpool, then suspended for the cup final, before struggling to displace Barnes. For his part, Barnes finally came good, but both the 27-year-old and Gordon, who is a spiky character, are much less effective when played away from the left wing. Having this depth is useful theoretically, but it makes Newcastle's squad lopsided. Howe admires both players, but what this summer brings will be interesting. Will Gordon look elsewhere, or will Barnes attract offers, which may be helpful PSR-wise? Sanusi trained with the senior squad pre-Christmas, before suffering an injury, and it is probably still too soon for the tricky 18-year-old winger to be loaned out. Callum Wilson (2025); Garang Kuol (2026); Sean Neave (unknown) Wilson has been a fine servant and regular source of goals since his arrival in 2020, but injuries have taken a toll — he didn't score in the league last season — and the club have decided not to take up an option to extend his contract by another year. While there have been talks with Wilson's representatives about renegotiating terms on a performance-related basis, the 33-year-old is likely to leave. Advertisement At 18, Neave already has a League Cup winners' medal, despite having yet to make a first-team appearance. Howe likes the versatile 18-year-old forward, who has an eye for goal, and he may be kept on Tyneside for at least the first half of 2025-26. Kuol, meanwhile, is into the final year of his deal and, despite the 20-year-old Australia international enjoying an impressive season for Newcastle's Under-21s, a permanent exit this summer probably suits all parties. (Top photos: Matt Targett and Callum Wilson, both by Stu Forster via Getty Images)
Telegraph
03-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Newcastle's targets are going elsewhere and Eddie Howe should be concerned
You cannot lose a transfer window in early June, but you can lose precious momentum and that is the risk for Newcastle United as the glacial pace of decision-making behind the scenes is in danger of hampering progress on the pitch. It was eight days ago, in the aftermath of their final game of the season, that manager Eddie Howe made his feelings clear ahead of a 'crucial summer.' He will surely be feeling frustrated that nothing definitive has happened yet. These are embryonic days, but patience is not endless. Newcastle are heading into the summer with a CEO, Darren Eales, working his notice and a sporting director, Paul Mitchell, who has just announced he will also be leaving at the end of the month. These are the two men who, ultimately, will do the deals for the players Newcastle have targeted. It is far from ideal. The departure of Mitchell is a huge blow. Those that have claimed Howe has won some sort of power struggle with a sporting director he clashed with last summer are wrong. The last thing a manager wants at this stage of a vital summer is to lose the sporting director whose job remit is '90 per cent recruitment' according to Eales. Is this management structure, led by two outgoing senior club employees, conducive to pulling off the sort of rapid transfer moves that Howe has publicly called for? We will know the answer in due course, but the pressure is on. 'Speed is key for us,' said Howe after the Everton game. 'I've reiterated that many times internally. Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don't hang around for long. 'That's always been my thought and my message on recruitment because you can have a period where you think you've got time, but then you can look around very quickly and realise that that time has elapsed and you have missed opportunities that you won't get again. 'That's what we'll be trying, but obviously the reality of that is it's not always in your hands. But we'll be doing our best to do things early.' Beaten to the punch Telegraph Sport spoke to multiple senior figures at the club last week and was told that not only were their top targets identified, they were poised to move for them. The background checks had been made, the right players were there, now they had to push the button and sign them. Every manager hankers for quick signings to be made and Howe has always maintained he wants deals in place for the start of pre-season. There is still plenty of time this month for those signings to be made, but while Newcastle wait to pounce, others are moving decisively. Newcastle really liked Liam Delap, but he has signed for Chelsea. They extensively scouted and agreed that both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo fitted the profile of the type of players they needed to attract, but both already seem destined for Manchester United. There are other players – Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga and Brentford's Antoine Semenyo – who have been discussed and admired to fill the right-sided forward vacancy. Newcastle's interest in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi is long standing –they failed to sign the England international last summer after a long and public pursuit – and has not gone away. Brighton's Joao Pedro is also a player Newcastle are tracking while Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike is another they have been linked with for a long time and have previously failed to sign. There will be others who are being kept as a closely guarded secret in the fear of losing out. Newcastle are not afraid to sign players based abroad, especially as the likes of Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali have been so successful at St James' Park. But can the club get deals done? If they do not, Howe will have every reason to feel aggrieved. He has just led the club to its most successful season in living memory, but did so without making a first-team ready signing since the summer of 2023. The squad is ageing, things were in danger of going stale at the start of last season and this summer needs to be transformative. 'Right decisions, not quick decisions' Telegraph Sport has been told this week there is an air of calm behind the scenes and that everyone is aligned and pulling in the same direction. It was stressed it is vital 'they make the right decisions, not quick decisions' and that 'everyone is confident this will be a successful transfer window' but fans need action, not words. Under Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, everyone knows how ambitious Newcastle are. They have the wealthiest owners on the planet and a stated desire from chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, to be 'number one.' However, there are certain drawbacks of being controlled by a foreign sovereign wealth fund. Nothing moves swiftly. Everything needs to be discussed, debated and finally signed off from Riyadh. It takes a lot of time to get things done. Of course, there are benefits to this approach: the risks of making a mistake are reduced and the fruits of this painstaking process are there for everyone to see since 2021, but it is not just the signing of players that is of concern. It has taken Newcastle eight months in their search for a new CEO to replace Eales, who announced he is stepping down for health reasons in the autumn. The former Real Madrid executive, Canadian David Hopkinson, is the frontrunner to take the job but the appointment is still waiting to be signed off. How long will it take them to find Mitchell's replacement? If it takes as long, Newcastle will not have a sporting director until February next year. You cannot have that level of uncertainty at the top of a football club at any level, let alone one with Newcastle's aspirations and challenges. As for the new stadium, Telegraph Sport revealed back in January the preferred option was to build a new stadium on Leazes Park, adjacent to St James' Park. But there has still been no confirmation. The club said a decision was 'imminent' in 2024 and then claimed it would come in 'early 2025.' We are now in June. A decision is expected to be made public later this month but after so many missed deadlines, you would not bank on it. It is far too early to panic or switch on to attack mode, but Newcastle know who their top transfer targets are. They have been discussed, deliberated on and a shortlist has been whittled down to a very small collection of suitable players. They will not be there for long. When you are trying to sign elite players to improve a team that has won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League, there are not many of those players around within budget. It should, at the very least, sharpen minds this month. If there is not a sense of urgency to get deals done, perhaps there should be.
BBC News
03-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
'I expect to see us being a little bit more ruthless'
This is a huge summer for Newcastle United, who against all odds, find themselves back in the Champions League again. Where we belong, may I we cannot rest on our laurels and waste another summer without strengthening the course, Newcastle have out-Newcastled themselves by coming to a mutual agreement to part ways with Paul Mitchell, our director of football, a mere 11 months after he was appointed in the first place (after, if you recall, a fiasco with Dan Ashworth and Manchester United).With his parting statement, Mitchell made reference to the imminent departure of Darren Eales, our CEO, which we have known about for a it is possible there will be a bit of housekeeping done behind the scenes at NUFC in the next few months, including announcing a chief executive and looking in earnest for a director of football. Or, if a DoF is not what we are looking for any more, communicating that to the it a hoot wondering about executive-level appointments? This is why I'm a football fan, for sure.I would like - and, actually, expect - to see Newcastle being a little bit more aggressive in the have some money to spend, and we should spend it. We let go of two players we were using in January and did not bring in reinforcements.I also expect to see us being a little bit more ruthless - letting some players go even if we, as fans, do not want to see them leave. Sometimes that is the way things have to go.I expect this to be a massive summer for need to sign four or five players and put in some seriously hard work to start next season strong. The Champions League is more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Newcastle Transfer DealSheet: Summer window latest, key targets and likely exits
Fresh from their most successful season in 98 years, only at Newcastle United could the narrative turn to one of upheaval so swiftly. Losing their sporting director, Paul Mitchell, ahead of a critical window when the squad needs buttressing for the additional challenges which the Champions League will bring, is far from ideal. Regardless, transfer plans are already in place and Chris Waugh outlines what to expect from Newcastle during the summer… A timely question, given Mitchell will depart on June 30 and Darren Eales, the CEO, is also stepping down for health reasons. For the remainder of this month, Mitchell will lead the department, but Eddie Howe, the head coach, is expected to resume even greater control over transfers (having always retained the final say, even following last summer's executive-level restructure). Post-takeover, Howe has been largely responsible for the majority of senior incomings and, with no first-XI signings for three consecutive windows, the success of 2024-25 was largely his. But the head coach works in tandem with what will likely become an almost unofficial transfer committee, similar to the one which operated last June, until a new CEO and/or sporting director arrive. Targets have already been identified and plans put in place, which require enactment. Andy Howe, the assistant head of recruitment, is influential and has been since arriving from Bournemouth in late-2021. He is trusted by Eddie Howe, his uncle, and valued by the owners, having identified Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, among others. He has increasingly become a point of contact with leading agents. Advertisement Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment, has been in his current position since 2017 and scouted Sven Botman and Joelinton. He will offer his expertise and global connections, which have recently expanded into South America and Africa. Jamie Reuben, the co-owner, and other board members may take an increasingly hands-on role in finalising deals. A right-sided centre-back and a right-winger are the priorities, as they have been for several windows, while a goalkeeper is wanted. A striker is ideally desired, though that may depend upon budgetary constraints and the adaptability of other attackers who are brought in. Beyond that, a versatile midfielder may be considered should some of the present cohort depart, but potential outgoings will likely influence further business. Despite the fixture list becoming increasingly congested due to Champions League qualification — Newcastle will play a minimum of eight European matches — quality will be prioritised over quantity. Howe believes the best way to improve squad depth is by bringing in first-XI players, who either improve the line-up themselves, or drive up competition. It is twofold; retain Newcastle's elite players and finally inject fresh quality into a squad which Howe has admitted risks becoming 'stale'. The club were always bullish about keeping holding of their stars, including Alexander Isak, and that position has been bolstered by Champions League qualification. Rebuffing interest in Isak — and potentially tying him down to a fresh contract, with talks floated — is the absolute priority. None of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Gordon or Livramento is for sale, either. Newcastle do not have the same financial-fair-play constraints as last summer, and the desire is to improve the squad, not weaken it. The expectation is that two to three high-class additions can really elevate an already successful group to fresh heights. Newcastle's interest in Marc Guehi remains, following the failed month-long pursuit of the Crystal Palace defender last August. Having missed out on Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, they have a shortlist of centre-back targets, with Guehi highly regarded. At right-sided forward, Brentford's Mbeumo was watched extensively and had his admirers within St James' Park, though an asking price of up to £60million ($80.8m) could have made a deal tricky. He has decided he wants to join Manchester United. Bournemouth's Semenyo and Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga have also been tracked, but so have European-based wingers. Advertisement They have no interest in Jack Grealish, even though the Manchester City forward has been linked. Newcastle already have two top-class left-wingers in Gordon and Harvey Barnes, and would not pay Grealish-level wages, especially for a 29-year-old. Goalkeeper-wise, Newcastle had an offer rejected for Burnley's James Trafford 12 months ago and are expected to return for the 22-year-old, whose price tag has risen following a stellar campaign. Joan Garcia's impressive season at Espanyol has been noted inside Newcastle. Newcastle were among the clubs to have registered an interest in meeting Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap's £30million release clause but he has told clubs he prefers a move to Chelsea. Lille's Jonathan David was tracked, but is expected to head elsewhere. Brighton's Joao Pedro has long had strong advocates within Newcastle's recruitment team, too. Post-takeover, when it comes to age profile, Newcastle have focused on top-level players in the 21 to 23 age bracket who can grow with the club, and that remains the focus, whether recruited from the Premier League or Europe. Sean Longstaff's future is uncertain, even if an exit appears likely. The 27-year-old turned down opportunities to leave in January but is entering the final 12 months of his deal. Should Newcastle sell, they can bank 'pure profit' in PSR (the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules) terms. However, Longstaff is their only 'club-trained' senior player, meaning keeping the academy graduate would be beneficial to European squad numbers. Howe would ideally like to keep hold of Joe Willock and Barnes, though Newcastle may have to consider decent offers for both, given funds could be reinvested. Kieran Trippier is also valued by Howe, but the right-back has been repeatedly linked with an exit. Odysseas Vlachodimos, the £20m goalkeeper who has made only one substitute appearance, is available. Martin Dubravka's situation is also unclear, despite signing an extension in January. Newcastle will listen to offers for Matt Targett, while a resolution is required to Isaac Hayden's situation as he is not part of Howe's plans. Garang Kuol, the Australia international, may be sold. Newcastle will rebuff interest in Isak, Gordon, Livramento and Tonali. Lewis Miley is wanted by clubs across Europe, but Newcastle will definitely not sell him and are unlikely to let the 19-year-old out temporarily, either, given the additional matches next season. A decision must be made on the next phase of William Osula's development. A loan offering regular game-time may be beneficial for the 21-year-old, though retaining squad depth is important, and the forward can keep improving with regular coaching on Tyneside. Newcastle have opted against enacting the one-year extension option in Callum Wilson's contract. While talks have been held with his camp over a more incentivised deal, it appears increasingly likely the 33-year-old will depart. Lloyd Kelly's initial loan to Juventus will become permanent and Newcastle will receive up to £20m for the defender, who joined on a free last summer and made only four league starts. Jamal Lewis' contract is up, and the 27-year-old left-back will leave on a free. Antonio Cordero, the 18-year-old Malaga winger, has agreed to join after rebuffing interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. He has undertaken his promotional shots at the club already and will join the Under-21 squad. Rather than speculate on a specific budget, given the difficulty in doing so, given the caveat of how deals are structured and amortised, the expectation is that Newcastle will carry out similar business to two summers ago, when they were last preparing for a Champions League campaign. Newcastle brought in Tonali and Barnes, both established at the top level, and Livramento and Lewis Hall, exciting long-term prospects who could also contribute immediately. Around £130million was spent, alongside a deferred £28m for Hall, though it is unclear whether they have the PSR capacity for a similar outlay this summer. Advertisement Thankfully, Newcastle do not face the same PSR jeopardy as 12 months previously, with the message being that sales are not necessary before June 30 due to the money made when offloading Miguel Almiron and Kelly in January. Although Howe has publicly stressed that PSR is no longer the limiting factor it has been for three largely fruitless windows, Newcastle are still inhibited when it comes to transfer fees and especially wages. (Top photos: Getty Images)
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Newcastle hold talks with former Real Madrid chief in their hunt for a new CEO - after Darren Eales was forced to step down on health grounds
Newcastle have spoken to former Real Madrid executive David Hopkinson as they close in on the appointment of a new CEO. Mail Sport can reveal that the 54-year-old Canadian is in the frame to replace the outgoing Darren Eales, who is stepping down on health grounds. PIF governor and Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is set to make the final decision, with sources recognising the need for an imminent announcement. The club are currently operating with both an outgoing chief executive and sporting director, following news last week of Paul Mitchell's impending exit after less than a year at St James' Park. This uncertainty at senior level is seen by some as far from ideal entering a pivotal summer. Eddie Howe and his players have secured Champions League football ahead of next season and the head coach has reiterated internally the need for speed when it comes to transfers. It now seems likely that Howe and head of recruitment Steve Nickson will oversee the bulk of the dealings. But we understand that Hopkinson, who was most recently the president and chief operating officer of Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, is the leading candidate for the role soon to be vacated by Eales, who announced in September he would be leaving following the diagnosis of a chronic form of blood cancer. He has been interviewed by PIF and is thought to be the preferred choice, should he agree terms. Hopkinson has previously worked as Real Madrid's global head of partnerships and, for 23 years, was chief commercial officer for the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Partnership, which included MLS franchise Toronto FC. He is currently serving as a board member for Canada Basketball. Interestingly, he has vast experience in venue management, with Newcastle set to update fans on their plans for the club's future home stadium. Mail Sport revealed in March that the intention is to move to a new home on Leazes Park. Hopkinson says of his Madison Square Garden role that he, 'guided the strategic vision and operations of premier global sports franchises including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers'. The Toronto native added: 'Throughout my 25+ year career, I've had the privilege of stewarding some of the world's most iconic sports and entertainment brands through periods of significant growth and evolution. At MSG Sports, I directed comprehensive business strategy across legendary venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the revolutionary Sphere in Las Vegas. 'Previously at Real Madrid, I led global partnerships for the world's most valuable football club, engaging with a 1B+ global fanbase. At MLSE, I spearheaded transformative initiatives including the landmark Scotiabank Arena naming rights agreement ($800M+ CDN), while overseeing multiple professional sports franchises.' Meanwhile, Newcastle are using recruitment firm Nolan Partners to search for a new sporting director. They were previously hired before the appointment of Dan Ashworth in 2022. Newcastle declined to comment on Hopkinson and the chief executive role.
