Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell's best XI signings

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 4 Jul 2024 10:07 BST
• 5 min read

Paul Mitchell has been announced as Newcastle's sporting director following weeks of speculation.

The executive left Monaco after the last summer window and has been out of work since. The Magpies conducted a thorough search for a replacement for Dan Ashworth, who recently joined Manchester United after the two clubs agreed compensation, and made the announcement on Thursday.

Mitchell's record speaks for itself: he has enjoyed a meteoric rise, from head of recruitment at MK Dons to being a sports director at Monaco, and revered across Europe. Throughout his career away from the pitch, he has discovered some real gems and world-class talent.

FootballTransfers has put together a list of the best XI players Mitchell purchased during his time at Southampton, Tottenham, RB Leipzig, and Monaco.

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🤝 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Mitchell as our new sporting director.

Welcome to Newcastle United, Paul!

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 4, 2024

GK: Alexander Nubel

Mitchell oversaw the move of Alexander Nubel to Monaco. The German was lacking in game-time for Bayern Munich and the Englishman brought him to Ligue 1 on a two-season loan. Today Nubel plays for VfB Stuttgart on loan from Bayern Munich.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne

There was something of a golden generation at Southampton when Mitchell was recruiting there. One of the more notable names he brought in was Nathaniel Clyne, who thrived for the Saints. The defender signed a four-year deal with the newly promoted Premier League club in 2012, before becoming England’s first-choice right-back and earning a transfer to Liverpool.

CB: Nordi Mukiele

There’s still so much to come from Nordi Mukiele. Mitchell earmarked him for RB Leipzig in 2018 and the side paid Montpellier €16m. After four seasons and 146 games for the German outfit, Paris-Saint Germain swooped in and purchased the Frenchman.

CB: Eric Dier

Eric Dier was plucked from Sporting Lisbon and arrived at Spurs for €5m in 2014. He’s been a regular starter for them for almost ten years, playing 347 games in all competitions. Though his form is capricious, there is no denying he is a bargain for what Spurs paid. The former England international left to Bayern Munich last January where he's found more game-time.

LB: Toby Alderweireld

Mitchell had brought in Toby Alderweireld to Southampton on loan when the defender was at Atletico Madrid. The Saints had a buy-out clause but the La Liga side reportedly moved the goalposts and he went back to Spain. But Mitchell pounced again when he joined Spurs, finally sealing his man on a permanent switch in 2015. Alderweireld became one of the best-performing Premier League defenders for a period.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni

Mitchell plucked Aurelien Tchouameni from Bordeaux in 2020. Just two years later, the Frenchman was purchased by Real Madrid for €80m, a fee which could rise to €100m in additional fees. At 24 years old still, Tchouameni now is considered to be one of the world’s best.

CM: Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams departed New York Red Bulls after being sought by Mitchell. The midfielder linked up with Jesse Marsch at RB Leipzig and enjoyed four great seasons. He reunited for a period with compatriot Marsch last summer at Leeds for €22m, before heading to Bournemouth.

CM: Dele Alli

Mitchel used his links to MK Dons to seal the switch of Dele Alli to Spurs. Following his €7m move from the League One side, Alli became one of the most exciting English prospects around. He was linked to all the elite clubs but remained with Spurs. His career has tailed off since, however, and is now without a club.

ST: Son Heung-min

When Mitchell recruited Son Heung-min from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, he saw something a lot didn’t. No one would anticipate how good Son was and how well he would be performing in the subsequent years. An undeniable world-class talent, Son is now a Spurs legend and one of the Premier League’s all-time elites.

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ST: Christopher Nkunku

Mitchell encouraged RB Leipzig to pay just €13m to sign Christopher Nkunku from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. The attacker is arguably the best player in the Bundesliga today, winning the 2021-22 Player of the Season award last term, and earned a mega-money move to Chelsea, with the Blues paying around €70m. Not a bad return on a PSG outcast - especially given the 64 goals he netted for them during his time there, even if injuries have hampered this form.

ST: Matheus Cunha

RB Leipzig brought in Matheus Cunha from FC Sion in 2018 when Mitchell was there. It wasn’t the best spell, but now the attacker has found himself at Wolves on loan from Atletico Madrid, before a permanent switch was made. He showed glimpses last season but there could be more to come from the Brazilian.