Newcastle United want to sign more players from overseas, and Ligue 1 is a market that Paul Mitchell knows very well.
It almost brought the Magpies joy earlier this month, with Newcastle United nearly signing Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens. However, they missed out to Manchester City.
Newcastle were gutted to miss out on Khusanov, but now they must focus their attention on the future. While January incomings are unlikely, they can do the groundwork on possible additions during the summer transfer window.
The Toon scouting team are hard at work identifying the right players for Eddie Howe, and trips across the channel will hopefully prove to be fruitful.
Newcastle United scout exciting Monaco duo
Newcastle have looked at Jonathan David, with the Lille striker due to become a free agent at the end of the season.
But Lille are not the only club that Newcastle officials have been looking at.
According to the Chronicle, Monaco attackers Eliesse Ben Seghir and Maghnes Akliouche are admired by Newcastle United staff.
Geordie Boot Boys were told last year that Newcastle had scouted Akliouche, and now it appears that his teammate Ben Seghir has also caught the Magpies’ attention.
It is unclear where Eliesse Ben Seghir would fit in at Newcastle
It is easy to see why Newcastle United are keen admirers of Ben Seghir. The 19-year-old is enjoying an excellent season so far, with Monaco third in Ligue 1.
Ben Seghir has had a real impact in the final third, scoring seven goals and providing four assists across 29 appearances in all competitions. The Morocco international is exciting to watch too, which is no surprise for a player who told Onze Mondial last year that he idolises Neymar.
That is reflected in the teenager’s dribbling ability, with Ben Seghir boasting incredible balance as he glides past players with ease. He is the type of player that Newcastle United fans would love.
However, it is unclear where he would fit in at Newcastle. Ben Seghir has spent the majority of the season playing on the left wing, while there has been the odd occasion that he has been deployed as an attacking midfielder.
But he does not play on the right, which is where the Magpies need reinforcements. On the left, Newcastle already have Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, while Joelinton can play out there too. In contrast, Jacob Murphy will be Howe’s only right winger once Miguel Almiron is sold to Atlanta United.
While Newcastle may have visions of turning the right-footed Ben Seghir into a right-sided attacker or have other plans for the Ligue 1 prodigy, it is currently difficult to foresee what his role would be at St James’ Park.
But Newcastle have certainly identified an exciting talent, and it will be interesting to see if Paul Mitchell takes this any further in 2025.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
