Many Newcastle United supporters have been reacting on social media, after the Chronicle linked the Magpies with Rochdale wonderkid Luke Matheson.
The 16-year-old right-back has been in the headlines for much of the week after scoring against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford, as the League One side were ultimately defeated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils on penalties as they bowed out of the tournament in the third round.
Newcastle are claimed to have been scouting the Dale product long before his antics in the EFL Cup though, with the Magpies said to have placed the teenager on their radar when he made his senior debut against rivals Bury in a Checkatrade Trophy clash in September 2018.
Matheson entered the action as a 13th-minute substitute on the same day he began his Year 11 academic year, and went on to be named as the Man of the Match and become Rochdale’s youngest ever player at 15 years and 336 days (BBC).
The Rochdale-born defender has since gone on to make 12 first-team appearances (TransferMarkt) – including his outing at Old Trafford on Wednesday, where he scored his first professional goal.
Matheson’s name was first listed on a senior teamsheet when he was just 14 years old, with his rapid rise following a string of eye-catching displays for their academy alerting Manchester United and Chelsea to his potential (ESPN).
The top-six duo were said to have made enquiries into potentially signing the youngster, whereas the Chronicle claims that Newcastle have only scouted the right-back since his senior debut.
However, Magpies supporters are not entirely convinced a move would be beneficial for either side…
Another career will be ruined.
— Dean Ford (@DeanJFord) September 26, 2019
Why would we want him? He scored a goal against Man U, plenty have recently.
— Southern Magpie (@southern_magpie) September 26, 2019
Why would we sign him when we can go spend 40 million on some farn league bang adverage player like Bas Dost or Plea?
— kevy fitz (@kevymartins) September 26, 2019
I’m sure we’ll be top of his list if potential destinations.
— Captain Palatick (@BobbyNend) September 26, 2019
Why would he join us? We clearly have no experience or success in developing our own youth players let alone this young prospect. From a lifelong Toon fan.
— N C (@NC39477350) September 26, 2019
Someone let him know so he can avoid us please. It’s for his own sake.
— AshleyMustLeave (@jamesbutler84) September 26, 2019
Add him to the list, why would anybody with an ounce of talent want to join newcastle.
— Barry (@ground_hogday) September 26, 2019
Aye, spend years in the U23s or on loan at some league 2 club before being sold for a couple of mill.
— Andy (@El_Tibur0n) September 26, 2019
He looked good. If we sign him who knows. At this time everything looks down. #toonarmy
— Richard Graham (@coldhardfacts7) September 26, 2019
Newcastle fans, would moving for Matheson be a good idea? Let us know in the comments below!
