Kyle Joseph to Newcastle United: Wigan Athletic sensation profiled as Magpies 'hijack' Celtic's move for Scotland U19s star

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Wigan Athletic sensation Kyle Joseph – but just who is he?
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about the 19-year-old and his links to St James’s Park:

What’s the story surrounding Kyle Joseph to Newcastle United?

Over the weekend, the Daily Mail claimed Newcastle were ready to hijack Celtic’s move for Joseph.

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to hijack Celtic's move for Wigan Athletic sensation Kyle Joseph. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)Newcastle United are reportedly looking to hijack Celtic's move for Wigan Athletic sensation Kyle Joseph. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Newcastle United are reportedly looking to hijack Celtic's move for Wigan Athletic sensation Kyle Joseph. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Wigan forward was poised to move to Scotland when his contract expires this summer, however the Magpies are said to have stepped in with a more enticing offer.

Indeed, United are willing to pay around £850,000 in compensation for Joseph, a significant increase on Celtic’s £230,000. Talks with the player are believed to have gone well.

Who else is interested in Kyle Joseph?

Celtic and their Glasgow rivals Rangers had been alerted to Joseph’s availability, while Arsenal had apparently earmarked him for their under-23s squad.

Newcastle, however, believe he has the potential to challenge for a first-team place.

What is Kyle Joseph’s career to date?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A product of the Wigan Athletic academy, Joseph broke into the League One side’s first-team during October of last year – and it wasn’t long before he made a lasting impression.

In just his sixth appearance for the Latics, Joseph scored his first of five senior goals to date in a 1-0 victory at Sunderland.

Then, in the same month, he netted a hat-trick during a seven-goal thriller at Burton Albion.

Unfortunately for Joseph and for Wigan, his progress has been on pause since late January after suffering from a back injury.

Joseph is also a Scotland under-19s international.

What have people said about Kyle Joseph’s ability?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wigan Athletic boss Leam Richardson believes Joseph remains a work in progress but failed to deny he has obvious ability.

Speaking after witnessing Joseph bag his first career hat-trick, Richardson told the Wigan Today: "The harder you work, the luckier you get, and it's no coincidence he's come away with a hat-trick.

"He's such a great lad, and the lads themselves will keep him grounded, myself included.

"The kid's still young, he's still a work in progress, he's not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination but he'll obviously take most of the headlines, and we'll let him enjoy this for sure."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor