Newcastle United set to make fresh appointment as Ross Wilson's latest recruitment plan goes public
Newcastle United are looking to expand their global scouting network.
Newcastle United are looking to further expand their global recruitment operation with the appointment of a scouting analyst focused on African football.
Sporting director Ross Wilson is continuing to reshape the club’s scouting structure, with the new role centred on identifying potential signings across a range of leagues and levels on the continent.
Much of the work will be carried out through video analysis, with Newcastle keen to identify players who fit the club’s long-term recruitment model.
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According to the job description, the successful applicant will be expected to “proactively identify players who could meet Newcastle United’s recruitment strategy, playing philosophy and squad requirements”.
Last December, Newcastle strengthened their South American operation by appointing Thomas Federspiel as a global talent scout covering Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.
Soon afterwards, the Magpies moved to sign 16-year-old winger Martinez from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle. The youngster is due to officially join Newcastle once he turns 18 next year.
The club has also previously advertised for a scout covering Argentina and Uruguay as part of its wider push to identify emerging talent before prices rise.
Africa is now the latest area to come under greater focus.
Newcastle have had a long history of African internationals representing the club, even if they have yet to sign a player directly from an African side.
Shola Ameobi, Cheick Tiote, Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba, Obafemi Martins, Mohamed Diame, Habib Beye, Chancel Mbemba, Christian Atsu and Lomana LuaLua are among the best-known former Newcastle players to have represented African nations.
There is also African representation in the current squad and academy structure.
Yoane Wissa represents DR Congo, while 20-year-old Bazoumana Toure is an Ivory Coast international. Youngsters Afner Cá, who represents Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea’s Ousmane Diabaté are also on Newcastle’s books.
Wilson has made no secret of his desire to improve Newcastle’s recruitment operation and widen the club’s access to emerging markets.
The new Africa-focused role represents another step in that process, with Newcastle hoping a more extensive global scouting network can help uncover the next generation of talent before Europe’s biggest clubs move first.