Who is Johannes Spors: What to expect from Newcastle Sporting Director target: 777 Group links explained

Newcastle United are looking to find a new sporting director to replace the departing Dan Ashworth, and Johannes Spors has now emerged as the leading candidate for the role, according to Sky Sports News.

Well renowned journalist Dharmesh Sheth understands that talks are progressing ‘positively’ between the St James’ Park club and Spors - and understands that the Magpies are keen to have a new addition in the building before the start of the summer transfer window.

A decision is yet to be made regarding his appointment but who is Spors, and why have Newcastle been attracted to him?

Who is Johannes Spors?

Johannes Spors currently works as the global sporting director of 777 Group, which is attempting to buy Everton and owns multiple clubs around the world, including Italian outfit Genoa, Standard Liege of Belgium, Vasco De Gama of Brazil, Germany’s Hertha Berlin and Red Star in France.

Sports is described by The Athletic as the architect at the centre of all five team’s football operations and is renowned for his excellent attention to detail and his ability to oversee recruitment operations.

The 41-year-old German worked closely with Austria manager Ralf Ragnick during his team at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig and is said to have learned a great deal from the experienced football manager.

Sports took on his first technical director role at Vitesse Arnhem where he dealt closely with the club’s affiliate Chelsea and was able to bring in the likes of Armando Broja along with Lois Openda, now of RB Leipzig.

Why does Johannes Spor appeal to Newcastle?

Johannes Spor is known for being able to navigate a multi-club model which is something which Newcastle United’s owners PIF are believed to be considering in the future.

The group have been linked with various big name clubs in Europe and beyond, and given Spors’ experience would be able to add teams to their stables and build relevant links and relationships between them.

He has experience and connections across Europe which could help Newcastle identify and entice targets, and is regarded as an expert in terms of analysing data and using a scientific approach to identifying transfer targets.

In summary, Sports has a record of lowering the average age of teams, reducing wage bills whilst still increasing the overall value of the squad - which is particularly important in modern football due to the threats imposed by breaking Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

However, unlike other potential targets such as the previously linked Dougie Freedman, who now looks poised to stay at Crystal Palace, Spors has no experience of working in English football.