Ian Wright wants Newcastle United appoint Ex-Nigeria international Michael Emenalo as director of football

Former English international Ian Wright has called on Newcastle United to consider appointing former Nigeria international Michael Emenalo as director of football.

Newcastle United are believed to be in search of a director of football after the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) took over the club.

However, according to Ian Wright, the new leadership of the club must consider appointing the former Chelsea transfer chief Michael Emenalo who is currently without a club after leaving AS Monaco in 2019.

“If they have a list, and Michael Emenalo is not on it or high up on that list – then you know they have a massive problem,” he told the Kelly & Wrighty Show.

“For that man not to be in some of football employment, at that level, is criminal. He is the calibre of person they need.”

Emenalo joined Chelsea under Avram Grant, where he was initially on the coaching staff. But then, the ex-Nigeria international was made technical director in 2011.

He is attributed for the big signings of Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas, N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah. He left in 2017.

Emenalo has a track record in English football and has the contacts to go with it. Slightly left-field, certainly a surprise, but potentially perfect.