Opinion: Ross Wilson is doing something interesting at Newcastle United that could help massively

Written on Sunday, 07 December 2025
Jakob Barnes

Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson has only been at the club for around two months now, but it seems he’s going about things the right way.

He was appointed by Newcastle on 11th October 2025, meaning Ross Wilson has not yet had chance to show what he can do in the transfer market.

Tell us your favourite Paul Dummett moment…

Paul Dummett has retired and the Newcastle players showed him some love after the Burnley game.

Nice to see the Newcastle players paying tribute to Paul Dummett 👏

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However, with Eddie Howe having two positions as his priority ahead of January, there is a weight of expectation on Newcastle’s sporting director.

It’s hard to know whether Wilson will be able to effectively improve the Newcastle squad in the New Year and beyond. But, he’s certainly doing one thing right already.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Ross Wilson is connecting with the players

It may be something pretty small and simple, but one thing I’ve noticed is Ross Wilson is consistently showing up to be with the Newcastle squad after games.

The Magpies love a dressing room photo of the team together after a positive result. Newcastle’s team photo after Burnley was brilliant because it paid tribute to Paul Dummett, who just retired.

But once again, there was Wilson, alongside the players and the Newcastle coaching staff. It shows that he’s not about to be some faceless suit who hangs around in the boardroom and doesn’t interact with those on the ground who know what’s going on.

It’s no good having a disconnect between the playing staff and those in charge of decisions that affect the squad. By being there, in the heart of the action after games, Wilson can get a feel for what is needed to make this team better, and that can only be a good thing ahead of the transfer window.

Eddie Howe looks on prior to Newcastle United's Premier League game against Burnley.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Now, Ross Wilson has to deliver in January

Ross Wilson has been transparent about Newcastle’s transfer plans, telling supporters the club will be looking abroad for fresh talent.

It’s part of a new strategy for Newcastle where they hope to land exciting and little-known gems that they can develop for the first-team and potentially sell for big profit.

Pretend you’re Newcastle United’s sporting director, where are you spending straight away?

Ross Wilson has given the green light to January signings at Newcastle United…

“Can we spend in January? Yes. If we want to, we can.”

Ross Wilson speaking about Newcastle United’s spending power, via The Athletic

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That’s all well and good, but there has to be a balance. Indeed, fans will be looking at this upcoming transfer window with trepidation and expectation.

It’s clear Eddie Howe needs at least a couple of players to really ensure Newcastle are on track for their ambitions this season. If Wilson and co. fail to make those additions in January, you’d imagine this good favour he’s earning right now will count for very little.

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