Eddie Howe applauds the Newcastle United supporters (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Manchester United are set to make a significant addition behind the scenes, with Newcastle United’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley set to move to Old Trafford, ending his three-year stay on Tyneside.
According to Mail journalists Jack Gaughan and Chris Wheeler, the 38-year-old has emerged as United’s preferred candidate following an extensive and competitive recruitment process.
Midgley is set to take on the same role at Man United, a clear indication of the club’s renewed focus on rebuilding and strengthening their academic background.
United’s decision-makers were reportedly impressed not only by Midgley’s background, but also by his familiarity with the club’s footballing philosophy and management structure.
Newcastle United set to lose Paul Midgley
Crucially, he has already worked closely with United’s director of football Jason Wilcox, a relationship which played a key role in his appointment.
During his time at Newcastle United, Midgley oversaw a productive period for the club’s academy recruitment.
Several promising talents have been identified and integrated into the youth set-up, helping Newcastle rebuild their pipeline after years of underinvestment at academic level.
Among the notable names to emerge were Sam Alabi and Michael Mills, both of whom quickly progressed to become regulars in England’s international youth teams after impressing at under-18 level.
The Magpies have credited Midgley with modernizing aspects of the club’s youth scouting model.
His departure is therefore seen as a blow to the continuity of Newcastle’s academy, although the club should act quickly to appoint a successor.
Man United plan to focus on youth recruitment
At United, Midgley will replace Luke Fedorenko, who is currently on gardening leave ahead of a planned move to an agency role.
United’s hierarchy saw this transition as an opportunity to refresh their youth recruitment strategy, aligning it more closely with the needs of the first team and the team’s long-term planning.
Midgley reportedly beat out more than ten other candidates for the job, showing just how highly regarded he is in English football recruiting circles.
United are serious about building a sustainable future, not only through marquee signings but also by identifying and developing the next generation of stars.
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