NEWCASTLE’S PARK BOMBSHELL: DEVASTATING SETBACK SPARKS ‘MASSIVE’ SHAKE-UP – FANS IN TOTAL MELTDOWN!

Newcastle United are said to be “quietly pleased” with the development of South Korean teenager Seung-soo Park, though there remains an element of caution surrounding his progress.

The 18-year-old’s arrival in the summer went largely unnoticed amid the noise surrounding Alexander Isak’s potential exit and the Magpies’ hunt for a new striker.

That changed swiftly when Park impressed during pre-season, coming off the bench to make his mark in a friendly defeat against a Team K-League side.

His energetic display earned him a first start in the subsequent draw with Espanyol, where he again caught the eye, sparking speculation that he might remain around the senior squad for the season.

However, after being an unused substitute in the goalless Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Park settled into life on Tyneside within the Under-21s setup instead, progressing at a steady, deliberate pace.

A minor hamstring issue briefly interrupted his rhythm, but Under-21s coach Adam Lawrence believes Park is adapting well to the physical nature of English football.

“He felt his hamstring a bit against Benfica,” Lawrence told Chronicle Live. “That was a setback because in the last few weeks he’d looked fitter, more durable, and we were finally getting a consistent run of training and matches into him.

Even so, he’s shown clear improvement since joining us. It’s been a huge transition, but he’s started to impact games. We know this is a long-term project, but we’re happy with his progress so far.”

Despite those encouraging signs, Park’s journey has had its challenges.

Two subdued performances in defeats to Southampton and Chelsea served as reminders that the youngster still needs time to adapt to the pace and demands of English football. Yet signs of growth soon followed.

In a National League Cup clash against Boston United, Park produced a superb piece of play to set up Sean Neave for one of his three goals in a commanding win, underlining his creative potential.

The young winger also gained valuable experience in Europe, featuring in Newcastle’s UEFA Youth League fixtures against Barcelona, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Benfica—though the Magpies’ youngsters are still searching for their first points in the competition.

Park continued to build momentum with a positive showing in the Under-21s’ 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in Premier League 2.

That result marked Newcastle’s first league win of the season, with goals from Anthony Munda and Joe Brayson securing the breakthrough after six frustrating attempts.

Looking ahead, Newcastle’s development side will travel to Ipswich Town, the second of two consecutive away fixtures, where Park will be aiming to feature prominently and continue his steady climb.

While there is no rush to fast-track him into first-team contention, the Magpies’ coaching staff believe the young South Korean is laying solid foundations.

His technical ability, work ethic, and willingness to adapt have all been noted — and though his rise may be gradual, Newcastle are optimistic that Park’s potential will eventually blossom into something special.