Newcastle United’s search for young talent is extended across Europe as the club continues to target high-upside prospects during the summer transfer window.
The Magpies have already signed several players aged 20 or younger this summer, with Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba the latest arrival as sporting director Ross Wilson reshapes the squad, looking at the future of the team.
According to Fussballdaten, Newcastle is also among a host of clubs tracking Porto winger Oskar Pietuszewski following his
rapid rise in Portugal.
The report claims Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the 18-year-old, although Dortmund is currently showing the strongest interest.
Porto, however, is not looking to cash in.
“Porto’s management and coaching staff have a very clear position regarding Oskar Pietuszewski’s future role and economic value,” the report says. “The Portuguese club wants to keep the player and is not prepared to let him leave easily. A player with Pietuszewski’s exceptional profile plays a crucial role in both long-term squad planning and the club’s Financial Fair Play compliance, giving them a strong negotiating position.
“Porto’s biggest bargaining chip at the negotiating table is the €60 million release clause in the player’s contract. Given the interest from top European clubs, the Portuguese club is immediately pointing to this clause. Due to the player’s potential and his contractual situation, the club’s management is strictly opposed to accepting a transfer fee below this amount. Therefore, the room for negotiation remains extremely limited.”
Pietuszewski, who holds a market value of €25 million, joined Porto for €8 million in January before contributing three goals and four assists to help the club win the league title. The Poland international has also already earned four senior caps despite being just 18 years old.
The reported interest fits Newcastle’s new recruitment strategy to a T, with Sky Sports recently reporting the Magpies are prioritizing players between the ages of 18 and 24 as they seek to emulate Borussia Dortmund’s successful model of developing elite young talent.
