Newcastle United have taken a closer look at Valencia youngster David Otorbi, and their scouts were very lucky to say the least.
The 18-year-old winger scored his first senior goal for Valencia on Sunday, helping them secure a 2-2 draw against Racing Santander. Two Newcastle representatives were in the stands, specifically to watch him.
That scouting trip gets a bit more interesting considering Otorbi’s breakthrough came during pre-season against… Newcastle themselves.
Newcastle scouts impressed by Otorbi
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, two members of Newcastle’s scouting staff travelled to El Sardinero on Sunday to assess the young attacker.
They watched from the directors’ box, taking notes on his performance. The report says their impressions couldn’t have been better.
Otorbi started on the bench, coming on after 58 minutes. He quickly made an impact, beating opponents down the right and causing problems with his pace and movement.
His biggest moment came when he moved inside to meet a pass from Javi Guerra. He finished the move to make it 2-2, scoring his first goal for Valencia’s senior side.
There was nearly an even better ending. In the final moments, Otorbi beat his marker, reached the byline and created a great chance for Hugo Duro. The striker couldn’t convert, leaving Valencia with a point.
Marca also highlight something Newcastle’s scouts particularly appreciated: his personality.
Despite being just 18, Otorbi showed plenty of confidence during his battle with Racing’s left-back. He didn’t back down and kept taking on his opponent. That apparently made quite an impression on the visitors.
Newcastle have already seen what he can do
Otorbi’s breakthrough came during Valencia’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle on August 8th. He played 30 minutes in that 2-1 defeat. Since then, he’s been getting his first senior opportunities in La Liga.
He played the full 90 minutes against Sevilla in September and featured for 76 minutes against Barcelona. His previous appearance, against Real Sociedad, have been also very encouraging. But surely Sunday’s goal gives Newcastle a bigger reason to keep following his progress.
There is, however, a contractual complication if their interest develops into something more serious.
Otorbi signed a new deal with Valencia in April, keeping him at Mestalla until June 2028. The Spanish club also have a unilateral option to extend that agreement by another three seasons. He turns 19 this week, and Valencia clearly have plans for him.
