Paul Mitchell can put his Ligue 1 experience to good use at Newcastle United.
The Newcastle United sporting director is set for a big summer, after a disappointing couple of transfer windows at St James’ Park.
Things should be different in the summer of 2025, with Newcastle set to make multiple signings. PSR concerns have eased, which should allow Paul Mitchell to flex his recruitment muscles.
Newcastle United are scouting out potential options ahead of the window opening, and are continuing to monitor Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche.
Maghnes Akliouche open to Newcastle United transfer after scouting mission
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about the 23-year-old playmaker.
Akliouche is on Newcastle’s radar as they aim to sign a winger, and it is understood that he was watched by Toon officials during France Under-21s’ recent 5-3 win over England.
“He’s a really fabulous player,” Bailey said.
“I think the more Newcastle fans see of him, the more they will enjoy being linked with him. He’s a real talent.
“He started for France Under-21s when they battered England, and he was on the right-hand side. That’s obviously what Newcastle are looking for.
“Akliouche would be open to joining Newcastle. Paul Mitchell knows him, while French players have a pretty good history at St James’ Park.”
The other Ligue 1 talent Newcastle United want
Akliouche, who has got six goals and 10 assists this season, is not the only Ligue 1 talent that Paul Mitchell is looking at ahead of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle want to sign Jonathan David, with the Canada international due to become a free agent.
His Lille contract expires this summer, and the Magpies are hoping to be in the mix to secure his signature. However, that will be very difficult, as David has spoken about his desire to play in La Liga.
Mitchell’s interest in Akliouche and David comes after Newcastle almost signed Abdukodir Khusanov.
He joined Manchester City from RC Lens in January, having impressed in the top flight of French football.
Newcastle did a lot of groundwork on Khusanov, but failed to sign him due to PSR.
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