Newcastle United have confirmed Ross Wilson as their new sporting director and Geordie Boot Boys have exclusively learned how Nottingham Forest feel about the switch.
After months of speculation and headhunting, Newcastle United have finally got their man as Ross Wilson’s appointment as new sporting director was confirmed on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle were without a sporting director for the entire summer transfer window after Paul Mitchell decided to leave after less than a year in the post in June.
The Magpies struggled in the market without a figurehead, with Eddie Howe watching on as Newcastle missed out on several top targets.
Finding the right figure to take up the role has been a crucial task for new CEO David Hopkinson and Wilson was finally hired after Newcastle paid his release clause at Nottingham Forest.
Wilson will be responsible for ‘sporting strategy, development and recruitment across men’s, women’s and Academy teams’ and will work closely with Howe and football leadership teams.
Geordie Boot Boys has been exclusively informed that Nottingham Forest ‘battled hard’ to keep Wilson.
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Nottingham Forest wanted to keep Ross Wilson
Wilson joined Forest from Rangers in April 2023 and was at the helm for the club’s most successful season in decades as they qualified for European football and nearly made the Champions League.
The Scot is renowned for his work in the transfer market and Newcastle know all too well how cut-throat he can be in negotiations following the Elliot Anderson and Anthony Elanga deals.
Wilson signed 43 players during his time at Forest, many of whom have gone on to have a positive impact in the side, like the aforementioned duo, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
It’s little wonder Forest wanted to keep him, as transfer expert Graeme Bailey exclusively tells Geordie Boot Boys.
Bailey says: “Newcastle are very happy with Ross Wilson. He has huge experience and is being brought in for the long term.
“Whilst not Eddie Howe’s appointment, he was involved as they need to work together very closely.
“Wilson is that figurehead the club have lacked since Dan Ashworth, as Paul Mitchell was never able to really fulfil that role as they desired.
“Forest did not want to let him go, I can confirm that – they battled hard to keep him, but this is a huge chance for Wilson and he recognised that.”
Ross Wilson’s first priority after joining Newcastle United
Newcastle fans will no doubt be excited to see what Wilson can do in the transfer market at the club, with many probably hoping he could try and bring Anderson back to St. James’ Park.
But Wilson’s first priority in the North East will be to tie some of the club’s star players up to new long-term deals.
The i News reported on Friday that Newcastle were waiting for Wilson before opening talks with Sandro Tonali over a new deal.
Though Tonali is contracted until 2028, the midfield maestro is bound to attract big interest in 2026 if he continues to put in amazing performances.
Alexander Isak may have proved that a contract won’t stop a transfer if a player really wants it, but it does give the club security and ensure they can demand a ginormous fee.
Elsewhere, Tino Livramento and Sven Botman are said to be in line for new deals as well.
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