Nottingham Forest’s head of football operations Ross Wilson is the leading candidate to become Newcastle sporting director.
The Magpies have already raided Forest once, signing Anthony Elanga in a £55million deal in July.
If Wilson agrees to the switch, it would come as another big blow to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side who are also facing a battle to hold onto Tottenham target Morgan Gibbs-White.
Wilson became Nottingham Forest’s head of football operations in 2023 and has since done a spectacular job. With his help, Forest have steadily improved, finishing seventh in the 2024/25 Premier League season. A place in Europe is also possible if Crystal Palace are thrown out.
Newcastle Sporting Director: Nottingham Forest Chief Ross Wilson Eyed
Last month, Newcastle United announced that Paul Mitchell would vacate his sporting director post in the coming days. Mitchell lasted less than a year at Newcastle. According to reports, his rocky relationship with head coach Eddie Howe contributed to his premature exit.
The club have been actively looking for a replacement since Mitchell’s dismissal, and Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson is the leading candidate. As per The Athletic, Wilson has an excellent relationship with Howe. The manager is on the selection committee alongside co-owners PIF Group and Jamie Reuben.
Newcastle United are expected to choose Nottingham Forest chief football officer Ross Wilson as their preferred candidate for the vacant sporting director role.
Exclusive from @ChrisDHWaugh ⤵️#NUFChttps://t.co/Zs2ONc5OUQ
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 23, 2025
PIF has been monitoring Wilson since his stint with Scottish side Rangers. Wilson’s role in helping Rangers win their 55th Premiership title in 2021 won PIF over.
Newcastle see Wilson as someone capable of creating a healthy club culture. They trust him to build the required infrastructure to help the club thrive, making him an ideal candidate. After initial talks, there has been a follow-up interview, suggesting the two parties’ willingness to work together.
However Wilson is not the only man in the running for the role. According to sources, Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto is also in the mix.
Magpies Eyeing Move for Former Real Madrid Man David Hopkinson
Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales is currently serving his notice after being diagnosed with blood cancer. According to reports, former Real Madrid Global Head of Partnerships, David Hopkinson, is the leading candidate to replace him.
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David Hopkinson next step Newcastle!
The man who helped restructure Real Madrid's finances could lead Newcastle's global project!A very smart decision if it is implemented… and confirms that Yasser Al-Rumayan's vision goes beyond the field. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/RbAubmPhcy
— Buzz (@plbuzz_ar) June 4, 2025
Last month, the Toon held talks with Hopkinson, and according to reports, talks are progressing well. PIF governor and Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan will make the final decision. Newcastle could announce their new sporting director before the new campaign gets underway in mid-August.
