Transfer window bombshell - Steve Nickson set to leave Newcastle United after 15 years
The transfer window officially opened today - but Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson is already set to depart.
Newcastle United head of recruitment Steve Nickson is reportedly set to leave the club after 15 years.
He will join West Ham United and help their rebuild as they aim to secure an instant Premier League promotion. Nickson arrived from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, initially in charge of youth recruitment.
A promotion to his current role followed in 2017, where he worked closely with Rafa Benitez on transfer strategy. Following the Saudi-backed takeover, Nickson received praise in identifying players to take Newcastle to the next level.
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A trip to Brazil in 2022 helped secure Bruno Guimaraes - now regarded as a club legend for his four-and-a-half years at St James’ Park. The likes of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali also arrived during this timeframe.
With the transfer window officially open today, The Athletic claim Newcastle will now be rocked by Nickson’s desire to leave. The news comes after the Magpies endured a difficult summer last year.
Paul Mitchell left as sporting director, giving Nickson extra responsibility alongside Andy Howe. Alexander Isak’s departure proved stressful as Newcastle frantically searched for his replacement.
Ultimately, the Magpies - who finished 12th - managed little return for their £250million investment. Newcastle are confident that Nickson’s departure will not deal the same bombshell as Mitchell’s did 12 months earlier, although he has always been valued on Tyneside.
Ross Wilson was drafted in as Mitchell’s replacement and has already managed to sign France under-21 goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. Victor Munoz - a Spain international - is also inching towards a £35million transfer.
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