Paul Mitchell is under pressure to improve Newcastle United’s squad over the January transfer window.
When Dan Ashworth left Newcastle United in the summer, supporters raved about Paul Mitchell’s appointment as his replacement.
However, his first transfer window at the club ended up being chaotic and unorganised and ultimately Newcastle ended the summer empty-handed.
Mitchell pushed hard to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace but walked away from a deal after his asking price soared above £70m.
Newcastle also attempted a deadline-day £50m bid for Anthony Elanga to address the shortage of winger options in Eddie Howe’s squad, but that too was unsuccessful.
A new right winger remains a top priority heading into 2025, and Paul Mitchell has plenty of targets on his radar.
Maghnes Akliouche of AS Monaco reacts after scoring only for his effort to be subsequently disallowed for offside following a VAR check during the ...
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Newcastle are closely monitoring Maghnes Akliouche
It has been widely reported that Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s ‘dream’ signing in January, but a move for a Premier League star likely won’t be in the transfer budget.
Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules continue to put a hard cap on Newcastle’s spending, which means they will likely have to be more creative and target a young, upcoming winger.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
According to iNews, Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche is on Newcastle’s radar ahead of a potential move in 2025.
Mitchell spent three years as sporting director at Monaco so will be familiar with the 22-year-old winger.
Akliouche has been starring for the Ligue 1 side this season with four goals and four assists in 19 appearances this campaign.
Back in September, Akliouche scored for Monaco in their 2-1 over Barcelona in the Champions League.
Akliouche is the latest player to pop up in Newcastle’s search for a right-sided winger.
With Miguel Almiron likely to leave in 2025, Howe will need a strong replacement on the right and several options are being considered by Mitchell.
PSV’s Johan Bakayoko is a top target but a January deal is considered difficult with the Dutch side wanting to keep hold of him during their title fight.
READ MORE: Craig Hope reveals what Newcastle plan on doing in January after Callum Wilson’s injury
Newcastle could return for Elanga if Almiron is sold with the Tyneside club still eager to sign the Sweden international.
Mitchell could also take advantage of a previous Ashworth target with Southampton setting an asking price for Tyler Dibling – a winger that Newcastle have been tracking for over two years.
Related Posts