Michael Emenalo
Michael Emenalo turns down Newcastle FC offer of Director of Football
Former Nigeria international, Michael Emenalo has turned down an offer to become the Newcastle FC’s Director of Football.
Emenalo also former Head of Football at Chelsea and Monaco has been the club’s top target for the position ever since the Saudi-led £305million-takeover following his stunning six-year stint as Chelsea technical director.
The 56-year-old Nigerian decided the role was not a good fit and the English Premier League club do not match his ambitious plans.
The Nigerian director travelled to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with the club’s hierarchy and made presentations outlining his short -term plan of avoiding relegation as well as long-term aspirations of becoming Premier League champions.
But following detailed negotiations with director Amanda Staveley, the former Nigeria international chose to decline the job offer.
It is said that a delay in talks and different ideas were the catalyst that led to Emenalo’s decision and not the club’s ongoing relegation scrap.
That is quite a blow for Newcastle as director Jamie Reuben and manager Eddie Howe both backed his appointment.
The Premier League giants now have to look elsewhere and may need to make a short-term appointment, with Frank McParland touted as one such option.
Emenalo was appointed in a similar capacity at Chelsea in 2011 and spent six successful years at Stamford Bridge before joining Monaco.
He was credited for star signings, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.
Emenalo also brought in Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois and Cesc Fabregas during his stint in west London.
He has been praised for building the infrastructure for the club’s incredible youth academy, which saw the emergence of top players like Mason Mount, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and many more.
