Newcastle United have now joined Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City in tracking FC Porto teenager Oskar Pietuszewski. The winger’s rapid rise in Portugal is starting to trigger a stronger response from the club.
The 17-year-old has made an immediate impact since arriving from Jagiellonia in January. He already has 13 appearances, three goals and two assists for Porto. In addition, his underlying numbers help explain the growing attention.
Pietuszewski is averaging 6.42 dribbles per match, a standout figure even for a wide attacker. In addition, he has shown a combative side to his game, winning around nine duels per match. That mix of flair and intensity has quickly earned him a place in Francesco Farioli’s plans.
That level of performance has now drawn interest from a wider group of clubs.
Newcastle added to growing Premier League interest
As reported by Portuguese newspaper Record, Newcastle United are the latest Premier League side to enter the picture. They join Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City. These clubs had already been linked with monitoring the winger.
Chelsea are also mentioned among the interested clubs, while Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich complete the list of teams tracking his development.
The expansion of that list appears to have prompted a clear reaction from Porto.
Porto planning to raise clause
Record explain that Porto are preparing not only to extend Pietuszewski’s contract, but also to increase his current €60m (£52m) release clause.
The winger’s existing deal runs until January 2029, reflecting the maximum duration allowed when he signed as a minor. However, he turns 18 on May 20, which opens the door for a longer agreement.
A new contract until June 2031 is already lined up. At that point, Porto intend to propose a higher release clause. Any increase is expected to come alongside an improved salary package.
The move suggests the club are acting early, aware that the current clause may not be enough to deter elite interest if his development continues at this pace.
Porto paid €8m (£6.9m) for the winger, with a further €2m (£1.7m) in bonuses agreed with Jagiellonia. The Polish club also retained 10% of a future capital gain. This adds another layer to Porto’s incentive to maximise the player’s long-term value.
Porto following internal blueprint
Newcastle United transfer target Oskar Pietuszewski
Newcastle United transfer target Oskar Pietuszewski
Record also draw a comparison with Rodrigo Mora, another highly rated talent at the club.
Mora’s situation saw Porto raise his protection to a €70m (£60.6m) clause. Pietuszewski could now follow a similar path as the club look to secure their most promising young assets.
For Porto, the strategy is to move quickly once interest emerges. This strengthens contractual control and helps the club avoid being forced into a reactive position later in the market.
With Newcastle United now added to a list that already included Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, the pressure around Pietuszewski is only moving in one direction.