At a time when big-money football transfers dominate the headlines, a certain off-field acquisition for English Premier League’s Newcastle United has caught the eye of Indian football fans.

On Monday, the Magpies announced Sudarshan Gopaladesikan, a Person of Indian Origin (PIO), as their new Technical Director. “Sudarshan will lead the club’s data operations, working closely with Eddie Howe [manager], and the club’s performance, medical, analysis, methodology, and recruitment teams,” the club’s press release said. Considering there’s been only one PIO to grace the EPL — Michael Chopra with Newcastle and Sunderland (2002-2008) — the news could have wider consequences as European clubs begin looking outside the traditional catchment areas for data analysts, scouts, directors, and more.

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