Hugo Viana returns to Newcastle as Manchester City’s director of football, recalling the transfer that was super-agent Jorge Mendes’s first major deal in England and a breakthrough moment for both their careers.
According to a report from The Athletic, the announcement that former Newcastle United player Hugo Viana is set to replace Txiki Begiristain as Manchester City’s Director of Football from the summer of 2025 marks a sensational turnaround for the Portuguese executive.
Viana first entered the English game in 2002 when he signed for Newcastle for a then-record fee for a 19-year-old, around £8.5 million (€12 million), making it the first major Premier League deal involving fledgling agent Jorge Mendes.
Viana’s move was a personal project for manager Sir Bobby Robson, and while he was mentored by veteran Gary Speed, Viana failed to secure a permanent midfield spot against competition from Speed, Kieron Dyer, and Jermaine Jenas, eventually leaving St James’ Park after two underwhelming seasons.
The 42-year-old has since built an impressive reputation during his six-year tenure as Sporting CP’s Sporting Director.
During this period, Viana oversaw a major rebuild, leading the club to two league titles and orchestrating profitable sales of star players, including Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte. Sporting manager Ruben Amorim attested to Viana’s value, stating:
“Hugo Viana has already proved several times he knows how to make magic happen. [He] is indispensable. He has a fundamental role here and works like nobody else.”
Now, Viana’s move to the Etihad is widely considered a shrewd, long-term appointment for the Premier League champions. However, the appointment has raised “industry whispers” regarding the influence of his long-time associate, Mendes.
Given Viana’s close relationship with the super-agent—who already represents key City players like Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva—there is an expectation within the game that Mendes will become significantly more active in Manchester City’s future transfer business.