Paul Mitchell (l.), the man credited with discovering Dele Alli, was revealed as RB Leipzig's new head of recruitment and development by the club's sporting director Ralf Rangnick (r.). - © © imago
Paul Mitchell (l.), the man credited with discovering Dele Alli, was revealed as RB Leipzig's new head of recruitment and development by the club's sporting director Ralf Rangnick (r.). - © © imago

Dele Alli talent spotter Paul Mitchell joins RB Leipzig

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RB Leipzig have bolstered their scouting network by appointing former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur talent spotter Paul Mitchell as their new head of recruitment and development.

The 36-year-old Englishman has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Leipzig and will work closely with sporting director Ralf Rangnick.

“It’s a great honour and privilege for me to be able to work here in Leipzig and in Germany,” Mitchell said.

“I am fascinated by the opportunities that we have here. I’m looking forward to working here with Ralf Rangnick. We will put our heads together and try to develop the club as best as possible."

A former player with Wigan Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons, Mitchell was forced to hang up his boots due to injury at the age of 27.

He began his scouting career with MK Dons in 2010 before taking up a head of recruitment role with Southampton in January 2012, when he was still only 30.

Credited with recommending the signings of Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic while with the Saints, Mitchell reunited with former Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs in November 2014.

While there, he had a hand in moves for the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier, before resigning from his role in August 2016.

Having served a lengthy notice period, he is now ready to take up a new challenge in Germany.

“I would like to offer Paul Mitchell a warm welcome to Leipzig and I’m delighted that he will be working with us from now on,” Rangnick told the Leipzig website.

“I am convinced that he is perfect for our team and I am looking forward to locking horns with him many times over potential new signings. He has been very impressive in his previous roles.”

Leipzig also announced that Benjamin Ehresmann – previously chief scout at sister club the New York Red Bulls – will return to Germany to take up a similar role with the Bundesliga club.

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