Mitchell will leave United by mutual consent at the end of June, less than a year after taking on the role. It’s understood that he’s leaving Newcastle on good terms.
Mitchell only joined in July last year, reuniting with chief executive Darren Eales, who he had previously worked with at Tottenham.
Eales was diagnosed with blood cancer last year and will be stepping down “in the near future”.
It means the Magpies are now looking for a new chief executive and sporting director, with Mitchell leaving having not made one major signing for the club.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Newcastle were forced into a fire sale last summer to ensure they didn’t fall foul of the Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
This summer will be different, with the Magpies planning to be bold in the transfer window as they plan for a return to the Champions League.
Summer targets have already been identified but head coach Howe now looks set to be in charge of recruitment while the search for Mitchell’s replacement takes place.
Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans.
“It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.
“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon.
“The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”
The club said in a statement: “Paul leaves with the club’s best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.”
Mitchell got off to a difficult start to life at Newcastle, with simmering tension between the sporting director and head coach Howe.
Mitchell criticised the club’s previous recruitment strategy, leading Howe to fiercely depend the approach, saying he was “very, very proud” of the signings that had been made.
Over time, the pair’s relationship grew stronger and they were understood to be on the same page on a number of key matters ahead of this summer’s window, which Howe has described as “big”.
He said at the weekend, after Champions League football was secured: “I do think it’s a window that we have to be active in and I’m sure we will be.
“We haven’t recruited strongly in three windows and I think eventually, that can catch up with you in the end if you continue not to change because change is an important part of the squad dynamic.
“I think we feel that and I think we potentially felt that last summer as well, so I think that’s why the players have done so well to carry the success through. Yes, it is going to be a big transfer window.”
