Mitchell now plotting his first proper Newcastle coup by beating Real Madrid to wonderful gem

Newcastle United’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is under pressure after a challenging first summer transfer window.

Despite his efforts, he struggled to secure key targets, leaving Newcastle short-handed in crucial areas, particularly in defense.

However, reports suggest Mitchell is now looking to make a significant impact by beating Real Madrid to the signing of a promising young talent, marking what could be his first major coup at the club.

Newcastle had been heavily linked with a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window.

The pursuit of Guehi took up much of the club’s focus, but ultimately, it ended in failure. The club’s inability to land alternatives has since left Eddie Howe’s backline lacking depth and strength, a situation that has led to criticism of the club’s transfer strategy.

Mitchell has since admitted that the summer window didn’t go as planned, acknowledging that the club had become too narrowly focused on one target, which contributed to their struggles.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mitchell reflected on the difficulties of the transfer window, emphasizing his role in supporting the team’s strategy rather than dictating it.

He noted that Eddie Howe had been clear about his preferred targets and that the department had explored several options, but ultimately, they did not manage to secure the right players.

Mitchell explained, “Eddie was very clear, and it’s not up to me after seven weeks to say, ‘We’ll do this and that.’ My role is to support. Were there options? Of course, but the responsibility lies with the entire department. We probably were too narrow in our focus, but it’s not my strategy to control; it’s my strategy to support. Every player was part of Howe’s decision-making process.”

Now, it seems Mitchell is preparing for a major shift in approach. According to reports, he is targeting Chelsea’s young defender Josh Acheampong, a player also being pursued by European giants Real Madrid. If Mitchell can pull off this deal, it would be a huge victory for Newcastle, not just in terms of adding talent to their squad but also in outmaneuvering one of the biggest clubs in the world in the transfer market.

Acheampong, just 18 years old, is seen as one of Chelsea’s brightest young prospects. A versatile defender, he has been praised for his dominance in the wide channels, and his potential has drawn interest from several top European clubs.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has described Acheampong as a “dominant” player, highlighting his ability to make an impact on both ends of the pitch.

With Chelsea’s academy brimming with talent, the young defender may find it difficult to break through at Stamford Bridge, which could make Newcastle an attractive destination for him.

Newcastle’s defense is in desperate need of reinforcements following a disappointing summer, and Acheampong could be exactly what the Magpies need. While he is still young and developing, he has the potential to become a key player in the coming years, making him an ideal candidate for a team looking to build for the future.

The prospect of regular playing time in a team with growing ambitions might sway Acheampong’s decision, especially with Real Madrid’s squad depth making first-team opportunities scarce.

For Mitchell, this could be a defining moment in his tenure as Newcastle’s sporting director. After a difficult start, securing a player of Acheampong’s potential would go a long way in restoring confidence in his leadership and Newcastle’s overall transfer strategy.

It would also signal Newcastle’s intent to compete with the top clubs, not just in the Premier League but across Europe.

As 2025 approaches, the pressure is on Mitchell to deliver results in the transfer market, and beating Real Madrid to Acheampong’s signature would be the perfect way to start.

It would not only address Newcastle’s defensive issues but also position the club as a serious player in the battle for top young talent. If Mitchell can pull off this move, it may well mark the beginning of a new era of success for Newcastle United.