Newcastle United are set to sign young striker Alfie Hutchison from Rangers.
Newcastle United have reportedly beaten several Premier League clubs to sign Rangers youngster Alfie Hutchison.
A double raid could also see Gers prospect Oliver Goodbrand join the Magpies, although no official confirmation has been made. Hutchison only spent one season in Glasgow having joined the Teddy Bears from Hearts last summer.
Scotland is viewed as a key battleground for Newcastle’s scouting setup given the club’s position as English football’s most northern frontier. Under current regulations, the Magpies will be required to pay compensation for both players should they arrive.
Signing Hutchison would be considered a coup for the Toon academy as the setup continues to build under Saudi-backed ownership. Since the takeover, youth investment has been prioritised as Newcastle aim to combat PSR pressures.
Newcastle United’s PSR strategy
Developing players for Eddie Howe’s first team is cost-effective and was a strategy previously neglected by Mike Ashley. Even if youngsters fail to make the cut, they can be sold for a profit and provide pure profit to the PSR balance sheet.
This method has been used by Manchester City and Chelsea to bankroll big-money signings in recent years. Newcastle are now looking to replicate that plan, with Yankuba Minteh the first example of flipping a prospect for a profit.
Fabrizio Romano breaks exclusive
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Magpies fought off stiff competition to land the Rangers prodigy. He wrote on social media: “Newcastle complete deal to sign talent Alfie Hutchison from Rangers, agreement in place. NUFC beat several Premier League clubs to secure the 16-year-old striker for the academy.”
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UEFA Youth League advantage
The UEFA Youth League also gives Newcastle an advantage when luring young talent to St James’ Park. Those that have qualified for the Champions League field an under-19 outfit that replicates the senior side’s fixtures.
For example, the Magpies’ academy setup faced AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain two years ago. The format allows rising stars to pit their wits against the best up-and-coming prospects in Europe.
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