Newcastle United are apparently close to signing a young defender on a permanent basis for an eight-figure amount, although he may be loaned out immediately.
Newcastle’s youth recruitment drive
Under Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth, the Magpies have made significant progress in the transfer market, bringing in a slew of crucial acquisitions that helped them finish fourth in the Premier League last season, allowing them to return to the Champions League.
While established footballers like Nick Pope, Kieran Tripper, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak have been brought in and thrived, it appears that a youth drive is also underway at St James’ Park.
According to inews, Newcastle will not let Ashworth’s impending departure affect their strategy, with the article saying Newcastle talent scouts have “taken part in recent scouting missions to Brazil and Germany to watch young players”. It then goes on to say that “further global signings are anticipated in the coming transfer window alongside a substantial squad rebuild after a turbulent campaign” .
The Magpies are seeking a second consecutive season-long loan for Yankuba Minteh, and they hope to overcome the profit and sustainability regulations that are currently stifling so many teams by developing a large pool of young talent, including the young forward.
The 19-year-old joined Newcastle from OB last summer but has yet to play a single minute for the club, instead being loaned out to Feyenoord. Journalist Martijn Krabbendam believes he has “huge potential” and could become a “fantastic player” in the future.
Newcastle getting closer to defender deal
According to the same inews update, Newcastle are “getting closer” to signing Lewis Hall on a permanent contract this summer, but they may have to loan him out again immediately if his release clause at Chelsea is triggered.
A large £28 million fee is on the horizon once he reaches a certain number of minutes, but the Magpies may take the same approach as they did with Minteh and Garang Kuol to ensure their recruiting quest for young talent does not result in talent sitting on the bench at St James’ Park.
Signing Hall on a permanent basis has to be seen as fantastic news for Newcastle this summer, given how talented a young left-back he is, perhaps functioning as the natural heir to Dan Burn in that position, with greater natural ability in that area.
Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard has praised his “quality” during their time together at Stamford Bridge, and he has made intermittent appearances for Newcastle this season, scoring with a wonderful finish away to Manchester United in the EFL Cup victory at Old Trafford.
In terms of the FFP component of the update, it makes perfect sense for the Magpies to send the youngsters out on loan. Granted, it would be good to have them around as squad players, but sending them abroad may result in them being experienced and established senior players ready to contribute in a few years, reducing the need to spend on headline signings.
Over time, however, the young defender should be regarded as a crucial player, not least because of the money paid to sign him, and there is no reason why he cannot develop into a great player at St James’, having already represented England at six different age groups.
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