Newcastle United were among a number of top European sides to jet out to Portugal and scout FC Porto’s UEFA Youth League clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday, according to A Bola.
The Portuguese publication, as relayed by the reliable PortugueseSoccer.com Twitter account, claim that the Magpies were in attendance alongside the likes of Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal to track some top promising talent in the clash which finished 2-2, the Turkish side netting a dramatic 95th minute equaliser to steal a point from the hosts.
A Bola: #FCPorto Diogo Leite started in 2-2 UEFA Youth league x Galatasaray earlier in day. Atletico, Barca, Granada, AC Milan, Inter, Liverpool, Man U, Arsenal, Crystal P, Newcastle, Lyon, Mochengladbach, RB Leipzig, E. Frankfurt, Shahktar Donetsk among clubs that scouted.
— PortugueseSoccer.com ?? (@PsoccerCOM) October 4, 2018
Newcastle had transfer dealings with Porto over the summer, seeing defender Chancel Mbemba leave St James’ Park to join the European giants.
Opinion
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is all about making profit when it comes to the transfer window and he will be working on a buy low, sell high strategy, and that will be why the Magpies are scouting players in youth games instead of their senior counterparts. Porto have established a reputation for bringing some stars of tomorrow through their ranks and maybe it is that which has drawn Newcastle – as well as so many other clubs from across Europe – to watch their youth team in action. Still, any optimism of the Magpies beating any of the named clubs to a signing is misplaced, for with Ashley in charge, he wants to strike a bargain every time, and it has left manager Rafael Benitez frustrated with the owner. Do not expect this situation to be any different, even if the Magpies have allowed a scout to attend the clash. Until Ashley changes his tune, or even gets out of St James’ Park, it is the bargain basement where Benitez will have to scour.