Newcastle United has been connected with another forward ahead of the summer transfer season, with another high-profile name expected to be presented to us.
According to The Mail, Sporting director Paul Mitchell has a busy transfer window ahead of him, with a goalkeeper, centre-back, versatile striker, and right-winger among his targets.
Over the last month, The Chronicle has reported that Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could be offered to us, with representatives anticipated to contact Toon officials, with a specific Liverpool attacker being the most recent to surface.
Arne Slot is set to oversee a clearout on Merseyside this summer, with the Express reporting that the Dutchman has many players he intends to let go after his first season at Anfield.
Newcastle to be offered Reds’ flop?
Newcastle are one of six clubs that will be handed an £85 million flop. According to Lee Ryder of The Chronicle, Liverpool will rebuild their team this summer, including Darwin Nunez.
Despite being 25, Nunez’s potential remains raw, with Slot unable to get the most out of the all-action but unpredictable South American.
His big-money move from Benfica is looking increasingly like a bad business decision by the Reds. With six goals this season, the Uruguayan is “expected to be sold” this summer, having dropped out of Slot’s long-term plans.
Liverpool are still said to be looking to recoup a sizable £60m of their investment for the striker who has no direct goal contributions in his last nine, with Newcastle already ruling out a swap deal for Alexander Isak plus cash according to Ryder.
Newcastle scouted Nunez – but two issues make it a non starter
Nunez was scouted by Newcastle during his time with Benfica, but whether or not that interest remains after a disappointing start to life in England is unclear.
Newcastle are unlikely to be able to spend £60 million on the forward, given the club’s priorities at centre-back and right wing.
Alternatively, if Eddie Howe lost Isak’s services over the summer, Nunez would be insufficient to meet our objectives. We’d be selling a clinical talisman to an erratic Nunez, who consistently blows opportunities Isak presents.
If Isak stayed, the cost of a backup plan would undoubtedly be prohibitively expensive. Callum Wilson’s contract ends in the summer, and with recent performances, he has little reason to activate his one-year extension, but £60 million for his replacement does not appear doable or worthwhile.
