Preparing for a summer without Paul Mitchell following the sporting director's recent departure, Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing the chance to sign an attacking star who's worth as much as £59m.
Paul Mitchell to leave Newcastle
After less than 12 months at the club, Mitchell's time at Newcastle has come to an end by mutual consent. The sporting director endured a difficult summer transfer window last year as the Magpies attempted to comply with PSR rules and limit their spending and will now step away at the end of June having never truly received the chance to make his mark on the incomings front.
paul-mitchell-newcastle
Releasing a statement on his departure, Mitchell said: "I'd like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year.
"I'm leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales - someone who I have worked so closely with in my career - moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building."
Paul Mitchell's Newcastle incomings Paul Mitchell's major Newcastle sales (via Transfermarkt)
Odysseas Vlachodimos (£20m) Elliott Anderson (£35m)
William Osula (£10m) Yankuba Minteh (£30m)
Lloyd Kelly (Free) Miguel Almiron (£8m)
John Ruddy (Free) Lloyd Kelly (Loan fee £3m)
Total Spend = £30m Total made = £76m
Whilst Newcastle never really set the world alight in the transfer window under Mitchell, he did well to navigate his way through any PSR problems last summer even if it meant overpaying for Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Now in search of a new sporting director and ready to spend again, Newcastle must get the forthcoming transfer window right. On that front, they're reportedly in pole position to sign Matteo Guendouzi and another impressive Frenchman has also since emerged as a potential summer target.
Newcastle eyeing £59m Akliouche chance
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now keeping a close eye on the chance to sign Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco this summer in a deal worth around €70m (£59m). The Magpies face competition from Premier League champions Liverpool, but could yet flex PIF's financial power to land the impressive 23-year-old right-winger.
A player with a "magnificent skillset" according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2024, Akliouche has since enjoyed an excellent season for Monaco - scoring seven goals and assisting another 12 in all competitions.
Alexander Isak scores for Newcastle Related
[He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star](https://www.footballfancast.com/newcastle-howe-prepare-bid-for-bryan-mbeumo-incredible-with-isak/ "He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star")
Newcastle are looking to make some impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.
As Newcastle look to add further star power to the right-hand side of their front three, Akliouche could emerge as an ideal option. Still just 23 years old and yet to reach his best, the Frenchman ticks the box for Champions League experience and the potential to become a world-beater at St James' Park.