Newcastle strike massive blow to Nottingham Forest as Magpies prepare to poach sporting director from Evangelos Marinakis

As per Alex Crook of talkSPORT, Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest’s Wilson to become their new sporting director. Wilson, who joined the Tricky Trees in 2023, has been a key figure in their recent rise, helping Forest qualify for European football for the first time in 30 years. Talks between the two clubs progressed swiftly, with compensation not expected to be an obstacle. 

It had been reported in July that Wilson was Newcastle’s preferred candidate, with head coach Eddie Howe directly involved in the process. Howe’s strong working relationship with Wilson, developed during their shared time in English football, heavily influenced the decision. If talks conclude as expected, Wilson could officially begin his new role as early as next week.

Wilson’s move fills a vital vacancy at Newcastle following Mitchell’s departure on June 30. Since then, the club’s recruitment operations have been managed on an interim basis by Steve Nickson and Andy Howe. Wilson’s arrival will now bring long-term direction to a sporting department that has undergone major change in recent months. 

This appointment represents another milestone in Newcastle’s off-field rebuild under the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Saudi-backed owners have sought to modernise the club’s football structure by bringing in experienced executives from across Europe. Wilson’s reputation for aligning recruitment with managerial philosophy fits perfectly with that long-term plan.

For Nottingham Forest, however, the timing is far from ideal. Wilson’s departure leaves a significant void in their football operations just months before the January transfer window. Having overseen a successful 2023–24 campaign that ended with European qualification, his loss will be a blow to Evangelos Marinakis’ ambitions for stability. 

Newcastle’s move also signals a change in recruitment strategy after a turbulent summer transfer window. With several targets missed and Alexander Isak pushing for a move, the Magpies struggled to complete key deals. Wilson’s appointment, following successful spells at Rangers and Southampton, is expected to restore structure and direction. 

Wilson’s track record explains Newcastle’s determination to bring him in. He began his career at Falkirk before moving through roles at Watford, Huddersfield Town, Southampton and Rangers — where he helped end Celtic’s dominance by guiding the club to their first league title in a decade and a Europa League final appearance.  

At Nottingham Forest, Wilson reshaped the club’s recruitment and implemented a strategy focused on younger, data-driven signings. Working closely with Nuno Espírito Santo, he balanced short-term competitiveness with long-term planning, helping deliver a seventh-place finish last season and European qualification. 

At Newcastle, Wilson will oversee all football operations, with new technical director Sudarshan Gopaladesikan reporting directly to him. His arrival follows that of new CEO David Hopkinson, formerly of Real Madrid, as the Magpies continue to build a continental-style executive structure. Wilson’s close relationship with Howe is expected to ensure alignment between recruitment and coaching, something missing under Mitchell.

Once confirmed, Wilson’s first task will be planning for the January transfer window, where midfield and defensive reinforcements are priorities. He will also review the club’s scouting and analytics structure to enhance synergy between data and recruitment. Newcastle’s goal is to create a more sustainable and efficient sporting model.    

For Nottingham Forest, the search for Wilson’s replacement begins immediately. Marinakis must find a candidate capable of maintaining the progress made in recent seasons. With Newcastle strengthening both on and off the pitch, this move serves as another reminder of their growing power and intent to remain among the Premier League elite.