Paul Mitchell is yet to really make his mark at Newcastle United.
It was a disappointing first transfer window for Newcastle United‘s new sporting director. Will Osula was the only player he signed, and he is viewed as one for the future. Osula is a project player, but does not strengthen the Magpies’ starting XI right now.
There were no major signings during the summer transfer window. Moves for Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga fell short, and the fallout has been quite remarkable.
There has been tension between Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell, and it has made things rather uncomfortable at St James’ Park. However, it is now reported that Howe and Mitchell have held fresh talks as they continue to work on their relationship.
Aston Villa forward linked with Newcastle United
The January transfer window will be important for Mitchell, and a new target has been named ahead of the transfer window re-opening at the start of 2025.
According to Give Me Sport, Newcastle United could join the race to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
They report that Unai Emery is still open to cashing in on the 20-year-old forward in January, who is valued at £40million.
Duran almost left Aston Villa in the summer, but has remained at Villa Park.
Newcastle fans will be nervous if Paul Mitchell moves for Jhon Duran
On the face of it, Duran would be an exciting target.
He has enjoyed a spectacular start to the 2024/25 season, scoring five goals in seven appearances in all competitions.
Duran has been a difference-maker in the Premier League, and scored arguably the goal of the season so far. That strike from distance against Everton was absolutely outrageous, as Villa came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
The Colombian is really making a name for himself, and is proving he can be a top level goalscorer in the coming years. Villa teammate Jacob Ramsey says Duran is like a ‘different player’ this season, and he would be idolised on Tyneside if he scored goals like the one he recently hammered beyond Jordan Pickford.
However, a Toon move for Duran should cause some concern amongst Newcastle United fans.
That is because Duran is surely going to demand to be a guaranteed starter if he moves clubs, and that is only going to happen at St James’ Park if there is no Alexander Isak. It is only fair to assume that Duran would replace Isak, rather than play alongside him.
The 25-year-old is Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, and is Eddie Howe’s first choice striker ahead of Callum Wilson. Isak has been called ‘world class’, and it would be a huge blow to lose him.
The Sweden international would benefit from more competition, but Duran would not come to the North East without being guaranteed regular first-team minutes – especially as he continues to be an impact player for Aston Villa.
While Duran is an exciting player, it will be concerning if Mitchell does try to bring him to Newcastle United. In truth, I do not think he will, and it is very strange to see the Magpies linked with Aston Villa’s number nine.
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