'Great pride' - Newcastle United official statement confirms key move as part of Ross Wilson 'reshape'
Newcastle United have confirmed Tomas Amaral as Steve Nickson’s successor.
Newcastle United have appointed Tomas Amaral as Head of First Team Recruitment following Steve Nickson’s departure.
The Portuguese replaces Nickson, who left St James’ Park after 15 years at the end of the summer transfer window to join Championship side Wrexham.
Amaral’s arrival forms part of the Magpies’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its talent identification and recruitment structure, which also recently saw Jack Ross promoted from Head of Football Strategy to Assistant Sporting Director.
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“Reporting to Sporting Director Ross Wilson, Tomas will lead the club's first-team scouting operation and will play an important role in further expanding the club's market presence and relationships across key territories,” a club statement explained.
Newcastle United appoint new head of recruitment
The 35-year-old arrives with “extensive experience” across European football, having built a reputation for “talent identification, market intelligence and strategic squad” planning through past roles in Portugal, Spain and Russia.
He was most recently sporting director at Spartak Moscow, having previously worked as a senior scout at Benfica between 2019 and 2023. His other first-team scouting roles include Real Valladolid, SD Eibar and Granada CF.
“Tomas' appointment is an important step as we reshape and strengthen our recruitment structure,” said Wilson.
“It was important that we identified a leader who could further enhance our capability and help drive our long-term ambitions, and Tomas has established an excellent reputation for his strategic approach to talent identification.
“He is highly respected across European football and brings significant experience, outstanding market knowledge and a strong network of relationships.
“I am delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United and look forward to working closely with him.”
Amaral added: “It is with great pride and a strong sense of responsibility that I join Newcastle United, a historic club with passionate supporters who have high expectations and ambitions.
“From my very first conversations with Ross Wilson, I immediately understood the vision and the direction the club wants to take over the coming years.
“I strongly share the ideas and ambitions of the people at the club, and I am determined to play my part in contributing to Newcastle United’s success. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started at a club with such high standards.”
Meanwhile, as part of the department's evolution, Paul Midgely will also report directly to Wilson, overseeing academy recruitment and global emerging talent scouting.