The 35-year-old joins from Spartak Moscow, where he most recently worked as sporting director. His previous experience also includes scouting roles with Benfica and Real Valladolid, providing him with knowledge of several European transfer markets.
Amaral will work under Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson, who described the appointment as an important part of the club’s plans to strengthen their recruitment department.
“The appointment of Tomás is an important step in the work to restructure and strengthen our recruitment department,” Wilson said in comments published by Newcastle.
Wilson explained that the club wanted someone capable of improving its existing operation while helping to deliver its longer-term objectives.
“It was important for us to find a leader who could further develop our capabilities and contribute to realising our long-term ambitions.
“Tomás has built an excellent reputation for his strategic approach to identifying talent.
“He is highly respected in European football and brings considerable experience, an in-depth knowledge of the transfer market and a strong network.
“I am very pleased to welcome him to Newcastle United and look forward to working closely with him.”
The appointment places Amaral at the centre of Newcastle’s efforts to identify players who can improve the first-team squad. His remit will involve more than simply recommending individual targets, with recruitment leadership requiring the club to assess talent, market conditions and the suitability of potential signings to its wider plans.
His background at Benfica is particularly relevant to that task. The Portuguese club have a long-established reputation for identifying and developing players, while his work in Spain and Russia has given him experience beyond his home market.
For Newcastle, the challenge is to build a recruitment operation capable of competing in an increasingly demanding transfer environment. The club must balance immediate first-team requirements with longer-term squad planning, while ensuring that new arrivals fit the team's footballing needs.
Wilson's comments indicate that Newcastle view the appointment as part of a wider structural development rather than an isolated personnel change. Amaral's experience and contacts will now be expected to help shape the club's approach to future recruitment windows.
The appointment does not itself signal any particular transfer target, but it establishes who will lead the search for the players Newcastle hope can strengthen their first team.