Newcastle United remain in a state of limbo when it comes to appointing a sporting director.
For weeks now, there have been reports suggesting that Ross Wilson will be appointed Newcastle United’s new sporting director.
It has been a problem position for PIF over the years. Indeed, both Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell left Newcastle United after short stints in that role.
Eddie Howe wants PIF to appoint a sporting director but, thus far, there has been no official movement on it.
Wilson is highly-rated at Newcastle but some more insight into the situation has emerged.
Evangelos Marinakis wants to keep Ross Wilson at Nottingham Forest
According to Chris Waugh of The Athletic, senior figures on the football side at St James’ Park are yet to have been told when a sporting director of any description will come into the club.
Though there are indications that Wilson would accept the role if offered, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to be keen to keep him.
The two clubs also still need to agree a package that would be suitable for all parties.
Hopkinson and Howe are thought to both want a sporting director in place.
Sandro Tonali contract talks delayed due to sporting director impasse
At the end of the season, Sandro Tonali will only have two years left on his Newcastle United contract.
As such, it would be wise to open talks with him as quickly as possible. The club could certainly do without another draining transfer saga next summer, having just come through the Alexander Isak debacle.
However, Tonali’s contract talks are not happening because Newcastle don’t have a sporting director.
Clearly, there’s still time to address that, but they cannot wait forever. The future of perhaps Newcastle’s most important player somewhat relies on a sporting director coming in.
Newcastle need to get their house in order behind the scenes.
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