Tomás Amaral joins Newcastle as Head of First Team Recruitment

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Tomás Amaral as our new Head of First Team Recruitment, in another move to strengthen the club’s recruitment structure under sporting director Ross Wilson.

The Portuguese arrives with extensive experience across European football and will lead our first-team scouting operation, arriving just months after Steve Nickson and Andy Howe's departure.

Amaral arrives in lead recruitment role

Amaral joins us after most recently serving as sporting director at Spartak Moscow, having previously held a scouting leadership role at Benfica.

During his time at the Portuguese club, the 35-year-old played a key role in a period that culminated in their most recent Primeira Liga title in 2023. He has also built experience across Spain and Russia, earning a reputation for talent identification, market intelligence and strategic squad planning.

Reporting to Wilson, Amaral will lead our first-team scouting operation and help expand Newcastle’s presence and relationships across key recruitment markets. As part of the wider restructure, Paul Midgley will report directly to Wilson, overseeing Academy recruitment and global emerging talent scouting.

Discussing the move, Amaral said: 

“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.”

Wilson reacts to Amaral appointment

Wilson has described Amaral’s arrival as an 'important step' as Newcastle continue to reshape and strengthen our recruitment department.

Our sporting director believes his experience, knowledge of the European market and network of contacts will help improve our ability to identify and attract the right players. 

Reacting to his arrival, Wilson said: 

“Tomás’ appointment is an important step as we reshape and strengthen our recruitment structure.

“It was important that we identified a leader who could further enhance our capability and help drive our long-term ambitions, and Tomás 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’s appointment represents another significant addition to the club’s football operations, with Wilson continuing to shape the structure behind our recruitment strategy and long-term squad planning following a summer of change on Tyneside.