Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on the appointment of their new Sporting Director, with Nottingham Forest's Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson emerging as the clear frontrunner for the pivotal role.
🚨 Breaking: Ross Wilson has agreed to become Newcastle United’s new sporting director.#NUFC are now in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 10, 2025
Newcastle have been keeping tabs on Wilson since he was at Rangers.
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The move would finally fill a crucial vacancy left by Paul Mitchell's departure in June and complete a major piece of the club's new off-field hierarchy.
There is a strong internal belief at St. James' Park that an agreement is only a "matter of weeks away."
The appointment is seen as essential for Newcastle's long-term strategy, particularly as the club navigates the complexities of the PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules).
The news comes after manager Eddie Howe made a public plea, stressing the urgent need for a figure of Wilson's expertise.
The perfect candidate Ross Wilson’s transfer expertise
Wilson is highly regarded across the Premier League as a "transfer expert" known for his shrewd negotiating and strategic recruitment, skills which Newcastle are keen to tap into.
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His transfer successes include signing Virgil van Dijk at Southampton and overseeing impressive deals at Rangers and Nottingham Forest.
Wilson’s potential arrival is strongly backed by manager Eddie Howe, who has been open about the demands of the modern game.
The PIF has reportedly given the "green light" for the appointment, signalling their desire to align the sporting director with the manager's vision.
A new era for Newcastle’s hierarchy
The appointment of Wilson will be the final piece of the club's new-look hierarchy.
It follows the recent arrival of David Hopkinson as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Darren Eales.
The new structure is intended to bring stability to the off-field operations, an area that has seen considerable change over the past two years.
Wilson's immediate tasks would be overseeing contract talks, including a potential extension for defender Sven Botman, and preparing for the January transfer window.
His expertise in transfer negotiations is seen as crucial to maximizing player value and ensuring Newcastle can compete for elite talent while adhering to financial rules.
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