Monaco’s Sporting Director confirms exit

Monaco Sporting Director Paul Mitchell has confirmed that he will be leaving the French outfit following speculation that he could be Anfield bound.

Last year Mitchell stated that he would be interested in a return to England having previously held positions with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and MK Dons. There have been claims that Liverpool have held talks with one of the shrewdest transfer gurus in European football, although Liverpool officials are denying that’s the case during regular briefings with the clique (the usual journalists that focus their attentions on matters at Anfield and who tend to toe the line). Liverpool are looking for a replacement for Julian Ward and many supporters feel that Mitchell would be an ideal replacement and officials at Anfield may be of the same opinion, but for now, they’re saying nothing.

In July 2022, Mitchell commented on speculation linking him with Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle, he said: “You can never say never. I am from England and one day — I am still relatively a young man — I will go back to the Premier League and to friends and family back there as well.

“But I am still enjoying my work, and while agreements are still in place with the majority shareholder here and the processes of working are still in place, I suspect I am still going to be here. But I see it as a great reflection not only of me but the people working here that brands like that are mentioned in the same sentence as myself.”

Fast forward to the present and the 41-year-old has now confirmed that he will be leaving Monaco although he hasn’t indicated to where that may be.

He told French newspaper Nice-Matin: “It was a very difficult decision. I loved my experience at this club.

“I have always felt a lot of support from president Dmitry Rybolovlev. We had several discussions about my mission, about the possibility of changing roles within the club, of extending my contract. I am very grateful to the president for trusting me. We have built a relationship based on transparency and honesty.

“But I have spent a lot of time away from home and my loved ones in recent years. I feel that the mission I had, which was to rebuild the sports project, has been fulfilled.”

One thing’s for sure, with the summer fast approaching, it is very disappointing that Liverpool are yet to appoint a successor to Ward. Club insiders insist that Ward will remain fully committed to the club until he departs, but with recent reports suggesting he’s already negotiating future positions at other clubs, you can’t but help think that he’s maybe not as committed as some want you to think.

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