It was confirmed that Newcastle United had scouts in attendance at Benfica’s opening Champions League group match against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night, and today it has been revealed that it was Moscow’s 6ft 3′ striker Aaron Olanare who they were there to watch.
Scouts out in force on Champios League night in Lisbon. Official list of scouts at Benfica-CSKA. pic.twitter.com/Y7GzaQdoga
— Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) September 12, 2017
The above list shows the extensive group of scouts present at Tuesday’s game, with fans initially speculating that it could’ve been previously linked Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris they were there to see, however it has since been confirmed that it was Moscow’s 23-year old, Nigerian international Olanare who was the main focus.
#nufc scouted 23yo #CSKA Moscow FW Aaron Olanare again v #benfica on Tues, watched him prev v Young Boys, #thfc toohttps://t.co/g2uE6eg26X
— Scouts in Attendance (@scoutsattending) September 14, 2017
Olanare is understood to be on the radar of several Premier League clubs, however ourselves and Tottenham were said to be following up on checks made when CSKA beat Young Boys in the play-off round last month.
The powerful striker has been likened to Christian Benteke, but is also believed to have deceptive pace and dribbling skills for a big man.
This could be on to watch given we failed to sign a striker on deadline day, especially when you consider Benitez seem to be prefer a big target man this season, with Olanare’s 6ft 3′ frame appearing to fit that bill.
Here’s some clips of him in action: