Newcastle United are expanding their scouting operations with a new role dedicated to finding talent in Africa, as sporting director Ross Wilson continues to reshape the club's recruitment department.
The Magpies have advertised for a Scouting Analyst (Africa) to identify prospective players across the continent, a move that follows a history of African stars at the club including Papiss Cisse, Obafemi Martins, Lomana LuaLua, Demba Ba, Christian Atsu and Cheick Tiote.
New Scouting Analyst Role
The job advert states: "You'll scout and analyse prospective players across multiple levels of African football, primarily through video. Research African football markets, competitions, academies and player pathways. Attend occasional live matches and travel domestically or internationally when required."
The appointment comes a week after Newcastle revealed they were seeking a goalkeeping scout as part of a rebuild of their stopper department. In his 12 months as sporting director, Wilson has restructured the scouting setup, following the departures of head of recruitment Steve Nickson, who joined Wrexham, and Andy Howe, who left after his uncle Eddie Howe's exit.
Manchester United Clash Moved to 8.15pm
Three Newcastle Premier League fixtures in December have been rescheduled for live television coverage. The visit of Manchester United on Wednesday, 2nd December will now kick off at 8:15pm (GMT) instead of 8pm, broadcast on Sky Sports, meaning a late finish close to 10pm for fans.
A Newcastle statement read: "Three of Newcastle United's Premier League fixtures in December have been rescheduled after being selected for live television coverage. The Magpies' visit of Manchester United will remain on Wednesday, 2nd December but the game will now kick-off at 8:15pm (GMT) instead of 8pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports."
The statement added: "Newcastle were due to host Sunderland on Saturday, 5th December but the 160th Tyne-Wear derby will now take place on Sunday, 6th December, with kick-off at St. James' Park set for 2pm (GMT). United's final away game of 2026, away at Brentford, will still take place on Saturday, 19th December but the clash at the Gtech Community Stadium will now kick-off at 12:30pm (GMT) instead of 3pm. The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports."
Alfie Seldon Signs Professional Deal
Alfie Seldon has signed his first professional contract after turning 17. The Houghton-le-Spring-born left winger has progressed from the Under-18s into the Under-21 set-up.
Seldon told Newcastle United.com: "When you're young, working your way through the Academy to sign that first professional contract is what you're aiming to do. I've got lots of strong relationships with the Academy coaches as well as my teammates. I also feel like you get a lot of opportunities. I've been able to play with the Under-18s when I was 16 years old, playing in the UEFA Youth League with the Under-19s last season and recently playing with the Under-21s. My performances have been good and I think I've deserved it. I'm showing everyone the right side of me. I've gained a lot of confidence in the last 18 months which has helped me to get where I am. I back myself a lot more compared to what I did when I was younger."
