Newcastle United have appointed the man who was instrumental in bringing Enzo Fernandez to Europe as their first-team recruitment lead.
The Magpies have appointed Tomás Amaral as the club’s Head of First Team Recruitment. The Portuguese, 35, will answer to Ross Wilson, having previously worked as Sporting Director at Spartak Moscow. A former scout at Eibar, Granada and Real Valladolid, perhaps his best work is known from his time at Benfica, where he is credited with the talent ID of now Manchester City midfielder, Fernandez.
Amaral is said to have a good reputation in European scouting circles and good contacts across the continent and in South America.
A statement confirmed the news said: “Tomás arrives with extensive experience across European football, having built a reputation for talent identification, market intelligence and strategic squad planning through roles in Portugal, Spain and Russia.”
It continues: “Tomás’ appointment forms part of Newcastle United’s ongoing strengthening of its talent identification and recruitment structure. Reporting to Sporting Director Ross Wilson, Tomás 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.”
The announcement also confirms that Paul Midgely, promoted recently after attempts by Manchester United to poach his talents, will also report directly to Wilson in overseeing academy recruitment and global emerging talent scouting.
Wilson: ‘An important step’
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: ‘I understand NUFC vision’
Tomás 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.”
The Amaral appointments comes after two key departures in the Magpies’ transfer department, with long-time transfer lead Steve Nickson leaving for Wrexham, while nephew of Eddie Howe, Andy, also left at the end of the summer transfer window.