SOCCER CPL D3 LOKEREN VS JONG GENK
Jong Genk’s August De Wannemacker reacts during a soccer match between KSC Lokeren and Jong Genk, Friday 28 August 2026 in Lokeren, on day 3 of the 2026-2027 ‘Challenger Pro League’ 1B second division of the Belgian championship.BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERT (Photo by TOM GOYVAERT / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United has definitely placed younger players at the center of its recruitment strategy, with the Magpies looking to identify talent early and create a stronger development pathway under sporting director Ross Wilson, as well as facilitating avenues for generating profit via future sales.
VoetbalFocus, citing English outlet On the Minute, reported last week that Newcastle and Manchester United are closely monitoring KRC Genk midfielder August De Wannemacker. The 17-year-old is viewed primarily as a longer-term prospect, with neither Premier League club having submitted an offer.
“The interest is currently in an early stage,” VoetbalFocus reported. “According to the English publication On the Minute, Manchester United and Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on De Wannemacker.”
De Wannemacker has progressed into Genk’s senior setup after impressing at youth level and has already made his first-team debut. The midfielder also represented Belgium at the 2025 European Under-17 Championship and Under-17 World Cup.
Complicating potential business with Genk, the club announced a contract extension for De Wannemacker not long ago, running through June 2028. For now, Newcastle’s involvement remains limited to scouting rather than an advanced transfer pursuit, so there’s no imminent development on that front.
The Magpies’ interest nevertheless fits the club’s broader move toward acquiring younger players with significant development potential, giving some credence to the whispers.
Would you like to see Newcastle become more aggressive in targeting prospects such as De Wannemacker before their valuations rise, or should the club prioritize players ready for the first team? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account at Coming Home Newcastle and get: