Mystery player could be about to sign for Newcastle as chartered flight booked

Newcastle United fans have speculated about the potential signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Luka Sucic after noticing several intriguing flights.

The Magpies have largely managed to plan their incomings under the radar of the media this summer, despite the huge focus on St James' Park.

Several huge outgoings have dominated the headlines, with Eddie Howe's departure this week capping off what has been a painful year.

Matthias Jaissle is set to leave his role in charge of Al-Ahli to take the Newcastle job, and the German will likely have specific targets well known to him.

Sucic may well be one of them, with the pair having spent several years together at Red Bull Salzburg.

Sucic, 23, is a central midfielder with 22 caps for Croatia's senior team to his name, appearing just once at this summer's World Cup.

Newcastle fans speculate over Luka Sucic amid Matthias Jaissle links

Incredibly, Newcastle fans appeared to lock on to the club's move for Aladji Bamba before anyone else.

Supporters noticed a chartered flight scheduled from France to Newcastle airport, with rumours quickly growing that it was carrying a potential signing.

Possible identities floated around, with one fan claiming to have seen the Magpies' signing staff arriving to welcome the mystery player.

Eventually, news broke in the media and it had been Bamba, who was arriving for a medical after a £35.5million deal was agreed with Monaco.

Newcastle fan MaskedTweeta on X seemed to notice something similar on Saturday, speculating that Sucic could be next to join amid several flights to and from San Sebastian.

Such a move would make sense considering the arrival of Jaissle, who has deployed the midfielder in 79 games and is credited with a role in his development.

"He places a lot of trust in me, which is very important as a young player. It allows you to play freely," Sucic told Kicker in 2022.

"Basically, every coach I've had so far has helped me along my path, and I'm very grateful for that. Of course, there are a few names, like Alexander Zickler, Bo Svensson, and Matthias Jaissle, who already coached me in the U18s, who have been especially instrumental in my development."

What type of player is Sucic?

By his own admission, Sucic's idol is legendary midfielder and Croatia icon, Luka Modric.

The 23-year-old, like his idol, is technically proficient and likes to receive the ball and spread play.

Unlike Modric, however, Sucic is tall and stocky, using his strong frame to fight off his opponents and drive forward.

The midfielder has a strong shot, but managed just four goals in 28 games across all competitions last season and still appears raw.

Should he be Newcastle's next hidden signing, he may not be the man targeted as Bruno Guimaraes' replacement.