As revealed by the Sunday Times, Newcastle have identified Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz as a candidate to become the new sporting director at St James’ Park.
Duncan Castles reports that executive recruitment company Odgers Berndtson have interviewed the 45-year-old on Newcastle’s behalf during the international break, with Braz in London to discuss the role.
The Portuguese has been placed ‘high on a list’ of potential replacements for Manchester United bound Dan Ashworth, with Paul Mitchell, West Ham United’s technical director Tim Steidten and former Roma chief Tiago Pinto also shortlisted.
Braz left TVI to become Benfica’s general director three years ago and has since been promoted to sporting director by club president Rui Costa. Since then, he’s helped Benfica win a title and bring in over £200m in transfer fees for the likes of Darwin Nunez and Enzo Fernandez.
Who gets the job is anyone’s guess, but it’s good to see the club making strides to appoint a top-class replacement for Ashworth ahead of a huge summer.
🔺 NEW: Newcastle United have identified Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz as a candidate to replace Dan Ashworth as the club’s sporting director#NUFC
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— Times Sport (@TimesSport) March 24, 2024
