Paul Mitchell has just done something Dan Ashworth failed to do at Newcastle United
Paul Mitchell is making difficult decisions as Newcastle United’s sporting director.
The Magpies have had a tumultuous 12 months off the pitch, with Dan Ashworth leaving his role at St James’ Park. He was replaced by Paul Mitchell, who is starting to make his mark at Newcastle United.
The former Monaco chief has not been able to do much in terms of recruitment. PSR has massively hurt Newcastle, while the club continue to take a long-term approach.
That has happened during the January transfer window, with Newcastle United not strengthening their squad.
That is despite strengthening their PSR position, with Miguel Almiron joining Atlanta United for around £10million. On top of that, Lloyd Kelly has joined Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy in the summer. A fee of £20million has been claimed.
Why Newcastle United were disappointed with Dan Ashworth
Newcastle United’s Sporting Director Dan Ashworth leaves the Newcastle Airport enroute to Germany for Champions League Match against Dortmund FC o…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
That money will allow Newcastle to invest in the summer, as Mitchell sets about ensuring that the Magpies become better sellers. Unfortunately, that is the only way to succeed in the PSR era.
He is doing what Dan Ashworth could not, with Newcastle’s previous sporting director struggling to get players out of the door.
It was reported in March 2024 that Newcastle were disappointed by Ashworth and his inability to increase revenue by selling players.
The two major sales that Ashworth oversaw were Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest and Allan Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli.
Newcastle will benefit from Paul Mitchell’s difficult decisions
Newcastle expected a bit more from Ashworth when it came to player turnover, and now Mitchell is having to fix the financial mess he inherited.
He is making difficult decisions that will not be popular. Geordie Boot Boys were told that Eddie Howe is not happy about selling Lloyd Kelly, but it is a deal that is going to help Newcastle United in the long run.
Ufficiale | Lloyd Kelly è un nuovo giocatore della Juventus!
Benvenuto in ⚪⚫
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) February 3, 2025
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It would be easy for Newcastle not to take these risks. They could also be risks that backfire.
But that is the position that Mitchell is in, and he appears prepared to be the bad guy to ensure he can do his job to the best of his ability come the summer.
Mitchell is doing what Ashworth failed to do, and it should prove to be to the benefit of Newcastle United.
