Delighted,” Former Manchester United Player Confirms Transition to Newcastle United in Significant Transfer Deal

Newcastle United is poised to bolster its scouting team in anticipation of the January transfer window.

Marcel Bout, formerly associated with Manchester United and Bayern Munich, has announced his forthcoming association with the Magpies through Dutch media outlet AD. The 60-year-old is slated to be stationed in the Netherlands, and his role will entail traversing the globe in search of promising talent aged between 16 and 23.

As conveyed by Bout to the Dutch newspaper (as reported by Sport Witness), he stated: “I have recently established a connection with Newcastle. The steady growth of the club resonates with me. I am also delighted to return to England and compete at the Champions League level.”

Bout has had a longstanding association with Dutch football legend Louis van Gaal, which began at Bayern Munich in 2011 when he took on the role of assistant. He later reunited with Van Gaal at Manchester United in 2014, initially focusing on opposition scouting before assuming the position of the club’s chief global scout from October 2016 until April 2022.

It is anticipated that he will commence his duties in advance of January, as Newcastle contemplate strengthening their squad.

The Magpies have recently suffered a setback, losing their £52 million summer acquisition, Sandro Tonali, to a 10-month ban following an investigation into illicit betting activity.

Furthermore, the depth of Eddie Howe’s squad has been significantly reduced in recent weeks, with the United manager being without 12 senior players during Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

When questioned about the club’s plans for January in a recent interview, sporting director Dan Ashworth stated: “We have always operated under the belief that the budget allocated covers the entire financial year. Therefore, it makes sense to allocate a significant portion of it during the summer to allow the player maximum performance time throughout the season, rather than just half of it in January. Additionally, January is notoriously challenging for transfers. We do have some flexibility and the ability to explore the market.

“However, there are various approaches to consider. This could involve a straightforward loan, or a loan with an obligation or an option to buy. Alternatively, we may sign a player and structure the deal with a long-term contract. We’ll need to be innovative and the influx of players will not be extensive. Nevertheless, our intention is to be proactive. We aim to reinforce the squad and provide ourselves with the best possible chance of success. That said, if the right player doesn’t become available, we won’t force a move.”