Paul Mitchell is beginning to work his magic as sporting director at Newcastle United.
It has been a slow start on Tyneside for Paul Mitchell, with the former Monaco chief getting settled into life at St James’ Park.
There have been internal discussions about new signings, with Eddie Howe given assurances that he will have a say over recruitment. Meanwhile, Mitchell is keen to work with Howe to make Newcastle United better.
There appeared to be a bit of a power struggle when Mitchell was appointed, but those issues have been resolved, and now Toon officials are working hard on adding new signings ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Paul Mitchell makes his move for first big Newcastle signing
That has proven to be rather difficult, but Newcastle finally appear to have made a transfer breakthrough.
Earlier this week, it emerged that Will Osula was a target for Newcastle. The 20-year-old striker was obviously viewed as one for the future, and now the Magpies have stepped up their interest.
It was reported on Thursday that Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Osula for £10million, plus £5million in add-ons. A deal is now on course to be completed, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeting his famous ‘here we go’ catchphrase.
Osula is now set to become Mitchell’s first major signing as Toon sporting director.
Why Mitchell wants to sign Will Osula for Newcastle
It is hardly a blockbuster deal, with Osula just a young forward who will arrive to provide depth.
He does have a bit of senior experience, but that has not translated into goals. The Danish youngster played 21 times in the Premier League last season, but did not score once.
However, Newcastle United are signing Osula because of his potential.
That is according to the Telegraph, who report that Mitchell has been the one driving Newcastle’s interest in Osula.
They report that Osula is seen as a player with a lot of potential, and as someone who Mitchell thinks can thrive under Eddie Howe. The hope is that he will develop into a starting Premier League striker in the coming years.
This is why Newcastle appointed Mitchell
This is not a transfer that is going to excite Toon fans immediately. But it is the type of deal that will eventually define how good of a sporting director Mitchell is.
Newcastle have needed extra cover in attack, but players as good as Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson cost a lot of money – money that Toon officials need to spend elsewhere.
That is why the club have moved for a young striker with potential, investing a bit of money into a player who could be worth five times as much if he blossoms into a consistent Premier League goalscorer.
It is a case of thinking outside the box and maximising the summer transfer budget. With this £10million deal, Newcastle should still have plenty of money to sign a centre-back and a winger, both of which will likely be immediate starters at St James’ Park.
But Osula is one for the future, and he will be the first real indicator of how good Mitchell really is when it comes to recruitment.
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