Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are interested in appointing Newcastle United chief Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director.

According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Al-Hilal are on the lookout for a new sporting director and they have their eyes set on Paul Mitchell, who will be leaving Newcastle United at the end of the month. The Saudi Arabian giants are quite keen on his services and could soon make a move for him.

Mitchell took charge at the Tyneside club last summer after Dan Ashworth left the club to join Manchester United. During his time at the club, the 43-year-old certainly faced some big challenges.

He ensured the Magpies didn’t breach Financial Fair Play Regulations by offloading a few of their young players and even played a big part in extending Anthony Gordon’s stay at the club.

While Mitchell did a decent job, TBR correspondent Graeme Bailey has suggested that there was a lot of friction between him and manager Eddie Howe. The situation wasn’t pleasing for the board, and as a result, they decided to part ways with him. The club have already made an official announcement that he will be leaving at the end of June.

Bailey said: “Paul Mitchell leaving allows the club to reset at sporting director. It was never a great fit with Eddie Howe.

“Let’s not beat around the bush… Mitchell and Howe were often at loggerheads and PIF were growing increasingly agitated and some believe they were considering a change.

“Howe will have some say in who comes in and this could really help Newcastle, having two people in the biggest roles at the club pulling in the same direction.”

Al-Hilal want Paul Mitchell at the club

While Howe is set to have a big say on who replaces him and it will certainly help the cause of the club, Mitchell’s departure from the Tyneside club is a massive opportunity for clubs looking for a new sporting director.

Saudi giants Al-Hilal are in the market for a new sporting director, and Mitchell is high on their wishlist. They are working swiftly to finalise an appointment, and with the 43-year-old having parted ways with Newcastle by mutual consent, securing his services is much more straightforward than targeting someone currently tied to a club.

The Saudi Pro League club has big plans for the summer and the Newcastle chief could help them fulfil those. Meanwhile, the Magpies also need to bring in a replacement as quickly as possible as they are gearing up for an all-important transfer window after securing a spot in next season’s Champions League. Eddie Howe wants to add more quality to his squad and a new sporting director will certainly play a big part in any potential transfer.