Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell set to leave after one season

Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell is set to leave his role at the club by mutual consent next month.

Mitchell, who was formerly sporting director at Tottenham Hotspur, ed Newcastle in July 2024 to replace Dan Ashworth, who left for a role at Manchester United.

Despite being forced to sell players such as Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, the Magpies won the EFL Cup, claiming their first major trophy in 70 years.

They also qualified for next season’s Champions League, despite a final-day defeat to Everton.

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales will also be stepping down soon due to health reasons.

Eales and Mitchell previously worked together at Tottenham, with the latter stating Eales’ departure as a reason for his own.

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— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 25, 2025

Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon.

“The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.

“I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”

There was speculation of tension between Mitchell and Howe at the start of the season, though the duo insisted they were on the same page in regards to transfers.