What Paul Mitchell leaving now means for Newcastle United’s transfer plans

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Mitchell is leaving Newcastle United just as the summer transfer window is about to open.

It is expected to be a transformative summer on Tyneside, with Eddie Howe wanting four signings after his side qualified for the Champions League.

However, there will be a fear that Newcastle United’s plans are in turmoil following Tuesday’s announcement.

Paul Mitchell will leave Newcastle United at the end of June, with the sporting director admitting it was the right time to go ahead of Darren Eales’ looming departure.

• When does the summer transfer window close? New rule explained and when Eddie Howe can make Newcastle United signings

Newcastle United’s transfer plan after Paul Mitchell announcement

Mitchell’s exit will give Howe more power when it comes to transfers, which is what the Newcastle United manager thought he was going to lose when the 43-year-old was appointed last year.

But that does not mean that the strategy will change.

According to the i Paper, Mitchell’s imminent exit is not going to impact Newcastle United’s plans for the summer transfer window.

They report that the Magpies already have targets lined up after months of preparation.

Newcastle United currently have five targets on their radar: Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, Illia Zabarnyi, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

The latter is particularly interesting, with Newcastle nearly signing Pedro in 2022.

• Every player linked with Newcastle in summer transfer window: Latest news and prices on Eddie Howe’s targets

What happened when Paul Mitchell joined Newcastle United

When Mitchell joined Newcastle United in July 2024, the transfer window was already open and targets had already been discussed.

He was tasked with merely providing a supporting role, but did try to influence change on Tyneside.

The Magpies were in the market for a centre-back, and Mitchell tried to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.

He held talks with the Frenchman, but not everyone at Newcastle United was convinced about signing him.

In the end, Mitchell’s effort went towards trying to strike a deal for Eddie Howe’s top target Marc Guehi.

Those efforts were in vain, as Crystal Palace resisted Newcastle’s offers for Guehi and Mitchell failed to make a major signing in his first transfer window in charge.