Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are set for another significant departure behind the scenes this summer, with long-serving head of recruitment Steve Nickson expected to leave the club after 15 years.
Nickson is reportedly set to join West Ham United following an approach from the London club.
NewcastleWorld understands that Nickson’s departure is not expected to impact Newcastle’s summer transfer plans, with sporting director Ross Wilson, senior football executive Andy Howe and head coach Eddie Howe already leading the club’s recruitment strategy.
As of Tuesday, Nickson remained at Newcastle United’s training ground.
Nickson joined Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 in a youth recruitment role before being promoted to head of recruitment under Rafael Benítez in 2017.
The 61-year-old retained his position following Newcastle’s PIF-backed takeover in 2021 and played a key role in identifying several major signings during the club’s rise.
One of his most notable contributions came in January 2022 when he travelled to Brazil to help finalise the signing of Bruno Guimarães from Lyon. The midfielder has since become one of Newcastle’s most influential players and now captains the side.
Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak were among the other high-profile arrivals brought to St James’ Park during Nickson’s tenure.
The news comes shortly after the departure of former sporting director Paul Mitchell, though Newcastle are understood to be in a much stronger position to manage Nickson’s exit.
Ross Wilson has since taken over as sporting director, while the club will now begin the search for a new head of recruitment.
Newcastle have already secured one signing this summer, with Ewen Jaouen arriving from Stade de Reims.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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