Newcastle United are closing in on the appointment of Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman as their new sporting director.
According to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle United are closing in on a full agreement with Crystal Palace to appoint Dougie Freedman as their new sporting director. The official announcement of his appointment could arrive after the end of the season.
Dan Ashworth’s decision to leave Newcastle
Newcastle United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth was approached by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for an important role at Manchester United at the start of the year. They wanted him to be the leader of their new project, and he agreed to the move.
The 53-year-old informed the Magpies about his desire to leave and post that, he was placed on a gardening leave. While Manchester United and Newcastle United have not yet agreed on compensation to make the move official, the Tyneside club have been on the lookout for a new sporting director for a while now.
Freedman to join the Magpies?
The Tyneside outfit seem to have found the perfect fit in Dougie Freedman. The 49-year-old has done wonders at Crystal Palace, and his work has not gone unnoticed. He took charge as their sporting director in 2017 and has since played a big part in helping them sign some world-class talents and nurture them into stars.
Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, and Cheick Doucoure are some of the high-profile signings Freedman has made during his time at Selhurst Park. He even had a big role in the appointment of Oliver Glasner as their manager.
His impressive work for the Eagles have made him a top target for Newcastle and according to the report, the Magpies are close to securing a full agreement with Crystal Palace for his services. People at St. James’ Park are confident about finalising the appointment in the near future.
They want Freedman to look over their transfer business in the summer and are looking to get the deal over the line before the end of the season. The official announcement of the appointment could come soon after the ongoing season ends.
