Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring highly-rated Genk midfielder August De Wannemacker as the club continue to track young talent across Europe.
The 17-year-old has emerged through Genk’s academy and is now beginning to establish himself around the Belgian club’s senior setup.
Manchester United are also said to be watching his development, although there is currently no suggestion that either club has made an offer.
For Newcastle, the interest appears to be at an early scouting stage ahead of future transfer windows.
Newcastle track August De Wannemacker
Newcastle and Manchester United are both keeping tabs on De Wannemacker, according to a fresh report from Ontheminute.
The Belgian can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a No.8 and has accumulated significant senior-level experience with Jong Genk in the Challenger Pro League despite his age.
His development has accelerated further this season.
Genk recently confirmed that De Wannemacker has been permanently promoted into their first-team training group, although he will continue to gain competitive minutes with Jong Genk.
The midfielder also represented Belgium at both the Under-17 European Championship and World Cup.
Genk have protected themselves against growing interest after extending his contract until the summer of 2028.
Newcastle continue youth-focused recruitment
Interest in De Wannemacker would fit Newcastle’s broader attempt to identify players before their values explode.
The club recently identified two priority positions for future transfer windows as part of a recruitment strategy increasingly focused on lowering the age of the squad.
Investment has also extended below first-team level, with Newcastle appointing Wesley Awad as head of youth recruitment earlier this year as part of a wider push to improve the academy talent pipeline.
De Wannemacker would fit that profile.
He is already playing senior football in Belgium, has international youth experience and is now training regularly with Genk’s first team.
There is no indication that a transfer is imminent.
For now, Newcastle’s involvement should be viewed as scouting interest, b
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