Former Chelsea man linked with Newcastle United set for key Saudi Arabia role

Michael Emenalo is set to take up a new role with the Saudi Pro League - 18 months after he was linked with an integral position at Newcastle United.

The former Chelsea and Monaco technical director was said to be one figure under consideration for a similar position at St James Park following the PIF-led takeover of the Magpies in October 2021. There were reports suggesting he was offered a role as sporting director prior to Dan Ashworth’s appointment - but they were refuted by Magpies co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi. Speaking via Twitter, he said: “Contrary to a newspaper report, Michael Emenalo was never offered the job of sporting director or director of football at Newcastle United.”

The 57-year-old had spent a successful six-year spell at Chelsea between 2011 and 2017, playing a lead role in helping the Blues strengthen across all levels and was heavily involved in a number of high-profile transfers including deals that took the likes of Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante to Stamford Bridge.

After departing Chelsea in 2017, Emenalo spent just over 20 months as technical director of Ligue 1 club Monaco and has worked in consultancy roles since his departure in August 2019. However, he is now set to return to the game as The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported Emenalo is set to be appointed as the first director of football of the Saudi Arabia Pro League.

The likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves have all moved to clubs across the Pro League over the last eight months - but Emenalo’s appointment is believed to be part of a drive to improve standards behind the scenes and ‘apply the kind of principles that are seen in the world’s biggest leagues’.

The report reveals Enamalo will bring in his own staff and will also give opportunities to young Saudis to ‘join his team, learn the industry and enhance their own careers.’