Newcastle United are set to make a major backroom change following the conclusion of a transfer window full of chaos.
Deadline day was everything it promised to be, with Alexander Isak completing his move to Liverpool, while the Magpies brought in Yoane Wissa from Brentford.
With the transfer window now closed, Newcastle United can now fully focus on a successful 2025/26 campaign, which includes a return to the Champions League and a cup to defend.
In the meantime, a lot of work needs to be done behind the scenes to ensure situations similar to this summer. Newcastle endured the transfer window with no sporting director, leaving Steve Nickson and Andy Howe to lead recruitment, with the help of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
Six senior signings arrived to improve results on the pitch, and PIF are now set to make a new appointment to bring success behind the scenes.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesNewcastle United to appoint David Hopkinson as CEO in coming weeks
In 2024, it was announced that Newcastle CEO Darren Eales had been diagnosed with blood cancer. The 53-year-old has courageously worked through his notice period while unwell as the Magpies try and find his successor.
It was reported in June that Newcastle had held talks with Hopkinson over the CEO role, and it now looks like his appointment is imminent.
According to inews, Newcastle will announce the new chief executive in ‘a matter of weeks’.
The 54-year-old was most recently COO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, and was head of global partnerships at Real Madrid.
Hopkinson may not be the only major arrival on Tyneside in the coming weeks, as it has been reported that Newcastle are close to appointing Ross Wilson as sporting director, succeeding Paul Mitchell.
The Scottish chief is currently at Nottingham Forest, but could now leave following the closure of the transfer window.
David Hopkinson could make a huge announcement soon after joining Newcastle United
The imminent appointment of Hopkinson is a statement of intent from PIF, and arguably a better executive than Eales. In 2025, fans have been eagerly awaiting an announcement regarding a new stadium.
Plans for Newcastle’s new stadium have been revealed, with a 70,000-seater stadium in Leazes Park set to be confirmed. However, there has still been no official correspondence from the club about a new ground.
#NUFC CEO Darren Eales is to step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
He will continue to lead the club’s executive team until a successor is appointed.
Our thoughts are with you, @DEalesNUFC. 🖤🤍
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 27, 2024
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PIF now appear to be waiting for the new CEO to come in before making such a big announcement.
It has been reported that Hopkinson’s appointment will come before confirming stadium plans, so it could just be a matter of time before the fate of St James’ Park comes to light.
Additionally, Newcastle are looking to build a new training ground, so Hopkinson will also be the face of those developments.