Paul Mitchell to leave Monaco sporting director role

Monaco director Paul Mitchell is set to walk away from the Ligue 1 side in the summer, 90min understands, with the Englishman keen on a return to the Premier League.

Mitchell made his name as Southampton’s head of scouting and has since enhanced his reputation during spells with Tottenham, RB Leipzig and the wider Red Bull network before landing in Monaco in the summer of 2020.

His current contract is due to expire in 2024 and 90min understands Mitchell has informed Monaco owner Dmitry Rybolovlev that he does not plan to sign an extension, despite significant attempts from the Russian to convince Mitchell to stay.

Signings like Caio Henrique, Vanderson, Axel Disasi, Mohamed Camara and Breel Embolo have endeared Mitchell to Monaco’s decision-makers but the 41-year-old’s refusal to sign an extension will see him leave the club this summer, one year earlier than scheduled.

Mitchell has spoken openly in the past about his desire to return to English football ‘one day’ and sources have confirmed to 90min that he is ideally looking for a Premier League move this summer, when there could be plenty of interest.

Chelsea, who have hired former Monaco director Laurence Stewart to their new recruitment team, have spoken with Mitchell in the past 12 months and continue to explore their options for future hires.

However, Liverpool are also looking for a replacement for Julian Ward, who has already confirmed his intention to step down as sporting director just 12 months after replacing Michael Edwards – another who is attracting significant interest from elsewhere.

Manchester United are expected to look for a new director of football, while Mitchell’s former employers Tottenham could consider their options in the recruitment department.