It’s going to be a huge summer for sporting director Paul Mitchell, who will not only oversee any potential big-money arrivals but also push to bring in hidden gems from across the globe.
One is already due to arrive next month in Malaga’s Antonio Cordero, but he may not be the only lesser-known talent to sign at St James’ Park this summer.
The latest is a young midfielder impressing in the Belgian league, though there would likely have to be a sale from within our current squad to justify his arrival.
After links with a potential move to Newcastle United earlier this month, another report has now emerged on Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
[The Chronicle’s](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-scout-6ft-3in-31692764) Lee Ryder reveals that the Genk defensive midfielder has been watched by Newcastle scouts in recent months, with Paul Mitchell eager to find some of the best talent outside some Europe’s major leagues.
It’s thought Newcastle consider Bangoura to be a ‘hidden gem’ in Belgium and a potential bargain at a fee around the £18m mark.
21-year-old Bangoura stands at 6’3” and would offer a rotation option to the likes of Joelinton as we prepare to embark on trips across Europe next season.
Eddie Howe recently highlighted that we are well stocked in midfield with ‘six quality options,’ with Joe Willock, Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff the current rotation options behind the preferred midfield three.
There is an evident drop off in quality when any of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes or Joelinton are absent, however, and there is expected to be one change to the midfield rankings this summer.
It feels increasingly likely that Longstaff will depart. The 27-year-old has only 12 months left on his current deal and sees very little game time, not starting a single league game in 2025.
Our midfield needs would of course change if Longstaff does move on to pastures new when the window opens, opening the door for Bangoura or a player of a similar ilk to join the squad.