Newcastle United are monitoring Lille’s attacking midfielder Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, following a report from their recruitment chief, Steve Nickson, according to the Daily Mail.
Nickson was at the Ligue 1 match between Lille and Nice on January 17 to scout Canadian striker Jonathan David but was also impressed by the Icelandic midfielder. He subsequently reported back to the club about Haraldsson’s potential.
The 21-year-old, who can play in midfield or as a winger, is not expected to move in January, but Newcastle are tracking him with an eye on the summer transfer window. Haraldsson scored in the 2-1 win over Nice in front of Nickson, and his technical ability has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.
Newcastle, along with other Premier League clubs, were also watching Haraldsson during Lille’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League on January 23, where one observer noted that he was the best player on the pitch.
Since joining Lille from Copenhagen in the summer of 2023, Haraldsson has become one of the standout players at the French club. His ability to play through balls and deliver key passes has also caught the attention of top clubs like Manchester United.
With Newcastle looking to strengthen their attacking options and challenge for the top-four, Haraldsson could be a valuable addition to their squad. However, with his growing reputation, they will face stiff competition for his signature in the summer, and securing Champions League qualification will likely be crucial for attracting him.
NUFC want 21y/o who plays like Luka Modric, he was ‘best player on the pitch’ vs Liverpool in UCL game – report
