- Newcastle United interested in Lautaro Piola transfer
- Argentinian wonderkid could cost just £5m
- South American focus continues
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in swooping for 17-year-old Argentinian wonderkid Lautaro Piola from Velez Sarsfield this summer, per Buenos Aires Times.
The striker could be available for as little as £5m, which would mark an excellent price for a player expected to go on to achieve big things in the professional game.
Piola would be yet another example of the Magpies’ shift in recruitment focus toward younger assets. The Tyneside outfit are set to lower the age profile of the squad this summer with both signings and departures.
Who is Lautaro Piola?
Piola is a product of the Vélez Sarsfield academy. He is yet to make a first-team appearance, having spent the season thus far with the reserve team, but is highly touted to make his debut in the near future.
Piola fits in with the sort of profile Newcastle United have looked to buy in recent years. He works exceptionally hard both on and off the ball, meaning he would suit the high-intensity system currently employed.
The Argentinian has gained a reputation for being a solid finisher in the youth ranks, and his footballing IQ is beyond his years in terms of positioning and understanding pressing patterns.
Newcastle United’s South American influx
Newcastle United have already shown a keen eye for South American talent heading into the summer transfer window. Johan Martinez has been all but signed, with the 16-year-old Ecuadorian joining the squad when he turns 18.
There have been other links too, such as the recent speculation around a move for Palmeiras youngster Eduardo Conceição.
This gives the reported interest in Lautaro Piola more legs than it may first appear, and given the Argentinian’s potential and likeness to world-class strikers such as Lautaro Martinez, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Magpies swoop.
Magpies’ academy mission
The newfound focus on talent from the region comes after Ross Wilson dispatched Thomas Federspiel to South America. Federspiel is a man he has worked with extensively that joined Newcastle United not long after Wilson’s arrival.
Federspiel has been tasked with scouting South America for the top talents still undiscovered by Europe’s elite and has already started on the front foot with a plethora of interest already reported.
Newcastle United investment in their youth academy has also started paying off, with the U15s winning two tournaments in the space of two weeks recently.
There has also been an increase in players making it into the first team picture, with Sean Neave, Alex Murphy and Leo Shahar all making first team appearances this season.
There have been a good few prospects involved in first-team training across the campaign too, including the likes of Sam Alabi and Alfie Harrison.
In other news, ‘Potential Option’: Newcastle United star targeted by Bundesliga giants.
