A leading football agent branded the 41-year-old football big brain named him “Kofi Annan”, after the former UN Secretary-General, last summer, over h
A leading football agent branded the 41-year-old football big brain named him “Kofi Annan”, after the former UN Secretary-General, last summer, over his ability to negotiate and take the heat out of uneasy deals like the late Ghanaian.
Reports in the UK media say that Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Director, Ross Wilson, to appoint him as their new sporting director.
The Scottish executive is expected to succeed Paul Mitchell, who stepped down earlier this year.
Wilson’s arrival is part of Newcastle’s broader off-field restructuring under their Saudi ownership, aimed at strengthening the club’s long-term football strategy and recruitment model.
Wilson joined Nottingham Forest in April 2023 and quickly became a pivotal figure in the club’s resurgence.
He played a key role in Forest’s qualification for European football for the first time in three decades and oversaw significant improvements in recruitment, academy development, and the women’s team.
His collaborative work with George Syrianos and Pedro Ferreira led to several smart signings, including Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Nikola Milenkovic.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Wilson has been deliberate and strategic. Head coach Eddie Howe was reportedly involved in the selection process, having built a strong working relationship with Wilson over time.
The Magpies had been monitoring Wilson since his tenure at Rangers, and compensation is not expected to be a stumbling block in finalising the deal.
For Nottingham Forest, Wilson’s departure is a significant loss, especially given the timing and his influence on the club’s recent progress.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis now faces the challenge of replacing a key architect of Forest’s footballing structure amid on-field disaster since the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as the new head coach.
Meanwhile, Newcastle fans will be hoping Wilson’s arrival brings stability and vision to their club’s sporting direction, as they aim to build on recent successes and push further into European competition.
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