Emenalo and Newcastle had ‘differences’ in their ideas
Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has turned down an offer to become Newcastle United’s director of football, according to the Telegraph.
It was thought that Emenalo was the Magpies’ first choice for the role after he traveled to Saudi Arabia to discuss the position.
However, he has opted against joining Newcastle after deciding that the club don’t match his ‘ambitious plans’ and, considering their current form, that they are not the right outfit for him.
The 56-year-old had detailed negotiations with director Amanda Staveley and is believed to have had the backing of director Jamie Reuben, but he decided to decline the club’s offer.
The ex-Chelsea man presented his short-term and long-terms plans to the Newcastle hierarchy, with an immediate aim of helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League and that, over a longer period of time, he would help the Magpies compete at the top end of the division.
Despite his ambitious aims, a delay in negotiations – as well as ‘differences’ in ideas – it quickly became clear that the two parties shared contrasting visions.
Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has turned down an offer to become Newcastle United’s director of football after the club could not match his ambitious plans [Telegraph] #nufc
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) December 4, 2021
Although a deal could not be agreed, his decision to turn down the club’s offer is not related to Newcastle’s battle against relegation, with the report adding that there has also been no fall-out between Emenalo and Newcastle.
The news is frustrating for both the club and new head coach Eddie Howe and is likely to pose questions around Newcastle’s ownership structure – with Telegraph Sport also revealing that Staveley has been approaching potential transfer targets herself.
Emenalo’s decision to reject the role at St. James’ Park means that the Magpies will be forced to looks elsewhere for a director of football, with a short-term appointment until the end of the season becoming a realistic option.
Frank McParland – who previously worked at Liverpool, Watford and Rangers – has emerged as a potential option for the club.
With Newcastle in danger of being relegated to the Championship, fans will be concerned about Emenalo’s rejection, with many supporters insisting that the club needs an experienced director of football to target the right players and hold negotiations.
Related links:
- Premier League ‘comfortable and satisfied’ Saudi state not involved with Newcastle
- Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman resigns over Newcastle takeover reaction
- Former Chelsea technical director first choice for DoF role at Newcastle United
