After replacing Dan Ashworth, Paul Mitchell is yet to truly make his mark as Newcastle United sporting director.
That will hopefully change in 2025, as Paul Mitchell changes Newcastle’s transfer strategy.
The Newcastle United sporting director wants the Magpies to target younger players with potential rather than readymade stars, as he seeks to get more value in the era of PSR.
Signing Abdukodir Khusanov would be a statement of intent from Mitchell, with the Magpies aiming to strike a deal for the 20-year-old defender from Uzbekistan.
But while Mitchell wants Newcastle to look further afield, that does not mean he will turn his nose up at Premier League players.
Newcastle United interested in Tyler Dibling
It was reported last year that Newcastle are interested in signing Tyler Dibling from Southampton.
Now a new story has emerged about the Magpies’ interest in Dibling, who has been described as a ‘special talent‘ by former Saints boss Russell Martin.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle want to sign Dibling in 2025.
They report that Newcastle rate him ‘extremely highly’, and are being kept informed about his situation ahead of a possible transfer in the summer of 2025.
Southampton are trying to extend Dibling’s contract, with his current deal due to expire in 2026 – with the option of an additional year. However, he is yet to commit his future to the Saints.
Dan Ashworth failed to sign Dibling when he was at Newcastle
That could give Newcastle United an opportunity to sign Dibling, which means Mitchell has an opportunity to succeed where Dan Ashworth failed.
The former Toon chief made some decent signings during his time on Tyneside, including a deal for Yankuba Minteh.
However, one youngster who Ashworth failed to sign was Dibling.
Newcastle wanted Dibling in 2022, with Ashworth trying to bring the teenager to St James’ Park. However, the Magpies missed out as Dibling joined Chelsea – only to return to Southampton a few months later.
Now Newcastle are targeting Dibling again, with the 18-year-old really impressing in a poor Southampton team this season.
He will be a lot more expensive than he would have been in 2022, but Dibling has proven he is worth investing in. The teenager is an exceptional talent, and could form a deadly front three with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Dibling would be a very exciting signing for Newcastle United, and here is hoping Paul Mitchell can do what Dan Ashworth could not.
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