Newcastle step up pursuit of African gems as recruitment position goes public
Newcastle United are continuing to expand their recruitment network, with the club advertising for a new Scouting Analyst to help identify emerging talent across Africa.
The permanent position will ask the successful candidate to assess players across multiple levels of African football as the club looks to strengthen our global scouting operation.
Newcastle pursue new scout as global recruitment expands
According to Newcastle’s official careers website, the club are looking for an African Scouting Analyst to identify potential targets through video scouting, data and detailed player assessments.
The role will involve researching African football markets, competitions, academies and player pathways, producing reports and presentations before recommending players who fit Newcastle’s recruitment strategy and playing philosophy.
The successful candidate will also be expected to assess players’ current ability and future potential, build video packages highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and help move promising targets through the club’s recruitment process ahead of future transfer windows.
Applications are open until November 2nd, with the position forming part of Newcastle’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their scouting department.
It continues a clear push towards identifying talent across a wider range of global markets, rather than focusing exclusively on the more established European leagues.
We have already seen Newcastle look further afield for emerging prospects, with Johan Martinez signing from Ecuador, Vakhtang Salia recruited from Georgia, Afner Ca coming from Spain and Ousmane Diabate joining from Turkey, where he continues to impress on loan.
Newcastle have enjoyed African stars over the years
Newcastle have enjoyed plenty of success with African players over the years, making the continent an obvious market for the club to explore more extensively.
Obafemi Martins arrived from Inter Milan in 2006 and quickly became a fan favourite, bringing pace and explosiveness to our attack.
Senegal has also provided Newcastle with several memorable players, including Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Habib Beye. Ba and Cisse, in particular, made a major impact at St James’ Park, with their goals helping Newcastle secure a remarkable fifth-place Premier League finish in 2011/12.
Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote became a cult hero on Tyneside, remembered for his combative performances in midfield and that unforgettable equaliser against Arsenal in the famous 4-4 draw in 2011.
Meanwhile, DR Congo international Lomana LuaLua brought flair and back flips during his time at the club, while Ghanaian Christian Atsu also represented Newcastle in more recent years.
There is clearly no shortage of talent across Africa; a market we'd be silly not to tap into. And with sporting director Ross Wilson continuing to develop the club’s recruitment structure, this latest vacancy is another indication that Newcastle are looking to cast their net wider in search of the next generation of talent.
