Report: Michael Emenalo leads race to become Newcastle director of football

Add as preferred source on Google

Michael Emenalo has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to become the Newcastle United director of football.

The club’s new owners have been looking for a sporting director ever since taking over, with multiple big names linked with the ambitious project at St James’ Park.

Ralf Rangnick was the first big name mentioned but those rumours have gone quiet. There were claims that Marc Overmars could come and bring Erik ten Hag with him from Ajax.

And there have recently been reports that Michael Edwards could be an option from Liverpool, the man who has played a pivotal part in the Reds’ recent success.

But according to the Telegraph, former Chelsea technical director Emenalo is the leading candidate for the director of football job.

This comes after former Arsenal striker Ian Wright suggested that Newcastle make a move last month.

It looks like the Magpies have done just that if the Telegraph’s report is to be believed.

Michael Emenalo heads to Saudi Arabia for Newcastle talks

The Telegraph state that Emenalo actually flew to Saudi Arabia for talks with PIF about joining Newcastle. The 56-year-old was reportedly spotted in Jeddah.

The report adds that Emenalo arriving could be good news for Eddie Howe, who has been announced as Newcastle’s new manager. The Telegraph report that Emenalo is a big fan of the 43-year-old and spoke positively about him to Newcastle’s owners.

This is good news. A good relationship between manager and director of football/sporting director is essential. The pair must be able to work together.

And Emenalo can certainly supply Howe with the players needed for success. The Nigerian has an incredible record in the transfer market, as seen by his time with Chelsea.

At Stamford Bridge, Emenalo brought in players who have gone on to become some of the best in the world. The likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Mo Salah and Romelu Lukaku were all signed by him.

Emenalo was involved in a golden era for Chelsea that saw them win three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, one League Cup, one Champions League and a Europa League.

If he can help Newcastle win just one trophy, he will instantly become a hero at St James’ Park.