Dougie Freedman has rejected the chance to become Newcastle United’s new sporting director and has signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.
According to The Guardian, Dougie Freedman is all set to stay at Crystal Palace, having signed a new contract with the club to continue his tenure. The news will have come as a blow for Newcastle United, who held talks with the 49-year-old Premier League transfer guru to become their new sporting director.
Dougie Freedman to stay at Crystal Palace
Crustal Palace had a big fight on their hands as soon as the season got over, as Chairman Steve Parish would have wanted director Dougie Freedman to stay at the club. He might have got his wish as the 49-year-old Premier League transfer guru has signed a new deal and will continue his tenure at Selhurst Park.
There has been plenty of speculation surrounding his immediate future, with Newcastle Untried and Manchester United angling for his signature. Freedman was instrumental in identifying talents like Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton, with the trio being named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad.
He also brought in Michael Olise and played a massive role in attracting Oliver Glasner to the club, which ultimately led them to a 10th-place finish this season. Freedman was close to joining Newcastle United as their new sporting director, as the Magpies held talks with the 49-year-old to replace Dan Ashworth.
Freedman reportedly feels comfortable at Selhurst Park and will not join Newcastle United, which will come as a big blow for the Magpies. Palace will hope the his decision will now ensure he’s focused on strengthening Palace in the transfer window and building towards next season.
Newcastle United and Dan Ashworth situation
Dan Ashworth tendered his resignation in a bid to force a move to Manchester United. But Newcastle United have since placed him on gardening leave. There is no resolution in sight, with the Magpies demanding a record fee to let him leave for Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe had held talks with Amanda Staveley to find a solution. But nothing has materialised on that front so far.
Newcastle United have Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana as an option, but those links are not concrete at this stage. With Freedman now out of their sights, the Magpies will surely target more names in the next few weeks, as Ashworth seems destined to join Manchester United one way or another.
