Five sporting directors Newcastle could replace Dan Ashworth with

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 16 Feb 2024 13:33 GMT
• 4 min read

Newcastle are on the brink of losing their sporting director, Dan Ashworth, to Manchester United, in what would be a huge blow to the Magpies.

Coming from Brighton, their chief reinvigorated the side, addressing their problematic recruitment by focusing on young English talent for the future, as well as some star names from across Europe. His short time there saw the side return to the Champions League.

But Ashworth is by no means irreplaceable. There are a number of sporting directors boasting stellar CVs who are either out of work or would be open to a move to one of the most exciting projects in Europe.

Here FootballTransfers takes you through some of the names that Newcastle could use as Ashworth’s replacement.

Paul Mitchell

Notable signings - Sadio Mane, Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, Son Heung-min, Christopher Nkunku

After retiring as a player, Paul Mitchell became MK Dons’s head of recruitment, but it wasn’t long before he left for Southampton in the Championship, helping them back to the Premier League. After he left for Tottenham, contributing to their most successful period in the Premier League area. With the Manchester-born executive, Spurs managed to secure a spot in the final of the 2019 Champions League.

Mitchell was expected to join Man Utd, having moved back from his former club Monaco to ensure a spot. But it looks as though Ineos are looking at other options, leaving Mitchell to be a free man and available for a club to make a move.

Michael Edwards

Notable signings - Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker

Newcastle have already been linked to former Liverpool executive Michael Edwards. He assumed the position of sporting director at Liverpool in 2016, after having spent time as the club’s head of analytics. He played a pivotal role in overseeing various aspects of football development. His time at Liverpool was profound and they become one of the best recruiters in the games.

Not only were they able to bring in top talent, they did so at a net profit. And while others have forked out lots of young stars who turned out to be flops, the same could not be said of Liverpool, with nearly enough all players proving themselves to be solid purchases.

Edwards is currently without a club but reports suggest it would take a massive deal to enable him to return once again to a club, having already knocked back the Reds.

Michael Zorc

Notable signings - Robert Lewandowski, Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ousmane Dembele

Michael Zorc's legacy at Borussia Dortmund is rooted in his roles as a former player and a sporting director.

Under the managerial prowess of Jurgen Klopp, Zorc’s recruitment helped secure two Bundesliga titles, a thrilling Champions League final, and celebrated DFB Cup victories in 2017 and 2021.

Considered a club legend, Zorc became one of the primary architects of Dortmund's transformation in the 2000s.

In 2022, Zorc left his role as sporting director at Dortmund and has not joined another club since.

Ralf Rangnick

Notable signings - Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba, Sadio Mane, Luiz Gustavo, Dayot Upamecano

Ralf Rangnick has gained recognition for his contributions as a coach and manager in German football.

Throughout his career, the Godfather of the Gegenpress, Rangnick has overseen several clubs, including Hannover, Schalke, Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and others. Rangnick played a role in the growth and achievements of RB Leipzig, actively contributing to the club's achievements over the past few years.

He had a torrid time at Manchester United as their head coach two seasons prior, before he left to become manager of the Austria national team.

Phil Giles

Notable signings - Aaron Hickey, Ollie Watkins, David Raya, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo

Phil Giles is a passionate Newcastle fan hailing from Tyneside. He assumed the role at Brentford as sporting director in 2015. Over the years, his dedication to the club and talent acquisition have been pivotal in sending Brentford to the Premier League.

While perhaps not as widely recognised as some other figures in the footballing world, Giles has proven himself to be a shrewd operator. His role at Brentford has allowed him the freedom to shape the team's future, contributing significantly to the club's achievements on and off the pitch. The prospect of working for his boyhood club Newcastle must hold an appeal for Giles.