Controversial Newcastle United executive secures surprise new football role with Arsenal link

Unpopular former Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley looks set to make a surprise return to football.

The former Magpies man, who worked across a variety of roles at St James’ Park in his 22 years at the club, is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to sign up for a senior role at Wasserman Media Group, according to the Daily Mail.

The leading talent agency represent a number of high profile Premier League players and managers, including the Magpies’ own Harvey Barnes. Others on their books include Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Man City men John Stones and Nathan Ake as well as now Saudi Arabia-based manager Steven Gerrard.

Charnley is said to be close to joining Wasserman in a senior football operations role, with his appointment very much seen as a coup, given his ‘expertise and experience’ in operating in the top end of the English game.

The former Newcastle director was an unpopular figure on Tyneside during his later years, due in no small part to his association with then owner Mike Ashley.

Charnley was shown the door after a short hand over period, following the buyout of Ashley and his Frasers Group empire by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Capital Partners, fronted by now director Amanda Staveley, and the Reuben Brothers’ RB Sports and Media, in October 2021.

The 45-year-old was last at Premier League club Nottingham Forest. There Charnley was appointed on a consultancy basis in August last year.