Steve McClaren, Newcastle United's recently appointed manager, is marking his territory. Since taking over the head coach job at St. James' Park, McClaren has announced that Newcastle United sign Aleksandar Mitrovic and midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, he is also reportedly eyeing a third (defender Chancel Mbemba), but they've been pricy. He laid down a reported £13 million and £14.5 million for Wijnaldum and Mitrovic, respectively, and will likely pay another £8.5million for Mbemba. And while those figures might not sound that lofty compared to what, say, Manchester City just paid for Raheem Sterling (£49 million), they are high compared to what Newcastle United has usually expended on new transfers in recent years.

The message that McClaren is sending is twofold. First, he wants fans and rival teams to know that he's not messing around; second, he is acknowledging the fact that the Magpies are in dire straits right now, and the only way out of rough waters is by investing in and developing youthful soccer talent with star potential.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: A Star in the Making

As far as young football players with star potential go, Aleksandar Mitrovic is certainly among the most intriguing. The Serbian striker is only 20 years old and only has four seasons of senior football under his belt-and will mark his fourth senior club when he dons the Newcastle United home jersey 2015 2016 this fall. However, we've already seen signs that Mitrovic could grow into one of the sport's most intriguing offensive players, and Newcastle is investing in that possibility.

One of the most intriguing things about Mitrovic is that he has been improving noticeably every year. In his debut senior season, with second-tier Serbian football club, Teleoptik, Aleksander scored seven goals in 25 appearances. It wasn't a remarkable season, but it was enough to catch the eye of higher-profile football clubs and get Mitrovic a contract with Serbian SuperLiga squad, Partizan.

Mitrovic's 2012 2013 season was even more impressive. He scored in his first-ever appearance for Partizan-a Champions League qualifier, no less-and went on to score 10 goals in the SuperLiga and 15 overall to become Partizan's top scorer. Paritzan won the Serbian SuperLiga, partially as a result of Mitrovic's impressive performance.

RSC Anderlecht

After one season at Partizan, Aleksander transferred to RSC Anderlecht, as the Belgian club's most expensive signing ever. The expense paid off: Anderlecht won the Belgian Pro League title in Mitrovic's first season there (2013 2014), and he was the club's leading scorer, with 16 goals tallied in league play. He didn't add any goals in cup and continental play, but his impact was still pronounced.

While Anderlecht failed to defend their Pro League title in 2014 2015 (they fell to third place in the division, behind Club Brugge and Gent), Mitrovic only continued to improve. He finished the football season as the Belgian Pro League's top scorer, with 20 goals scored in 37 league appearances. He was also impressive in Anderlecht's Champions League campaign (netting two goals in the group stage) and in the soccer club's battle for the Belgian Cup (where they lost the final against Club Brugge).

What Mitrovic Will Bring to Newcastle United

All told, at 20 years old, Aleksandar Mitrovic has already accomplished a lot, and could be on his way to soccer stardom as he continues to improve. The Magpies top scorer for the 2014 2015 campaign, Papiss Cisse, only scored 11 goals in Premier League play. If Aleksander can score 15 or 20 goals in his first season at St. James' Park, he won't just be United's best offensive player, but one of the best in the Premier League.

Not that fans in the Newcastle United home jersey 2015 2016 should expect a 20-goal season from Mitrovic right away. The pressures of the English Premier League are considerably steeper than what the young striker faced in Serbia or Belgium, and he may need to adjust. With his clear talent, drive, and room to grow, however, it's tough not to see Aleksander Mitrovic as the savior of Newcastle United.

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