Newcastle United is reportedly leading Manchester United in the competition to sign an attacking player who impressed at St James’ Park earlier this season, potentially outmaneuvering their rivals.
Newcastle Transfer News
After navigating Financial Fair Play constraints in recent transfer windows, Newcastle is rumored to be preparing for significant spending once again. The Magpies have been linked with potential acquisitions like Hugo Ekitike and Tammy Abraham as they aim to bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking options.
Despite injury challenges throughout the current season, the former Bournemouth manager has managed with his available squad. This summer could see the arrival of reinforcements he desperately needs to sustain a Champions League qualification push.
However, it remains to be seen if this spending will require player sales. Alexander Isak is expected to attract considerable interest this summer, and his potential sale, possibly reaching £150m, would significantly enhance PIF’s spending capacity.
This could enable the Magpies to pursue a player who has already made a mark at St James’ Park, capitalizing on their advantage over Manchester United in the race for his signature.
Related
1/8 duels won: Howe must be worried after Newcastle star’s worst display yet
Newcastle secured a win at the London Stadium prior to their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Newcastle is now reportedly ahead of Manchester United in the pursuit of Justin Kluivert from Bournemouth. The club values the forward at £25m this summer, and the Dutch player is said to be enthusiastic about Newcastle’s project.
The son of former Newcastle player Patrick Kluivert, the 25-year-old has had a standout season on the South Coast, even scoring two hat-tricks, one of which was at St James’ Park in a 4-1 victory. Newcastle’s interest in signing him is therefore not surprising.
‘Amazing’ Kluivert Has Reached Peak Form
For a while, there were still doubts about Kluivert, who had to live up to his father’s reputation. His permanent transfer from Ajax to AS Roma didn’t pan out as expected, and subsequent loan spells at Valencia, OGC Nice, and RB Leipzig also didn’t fully unlock his potential.
It seemed Kluivert might miss his anticipated path to the top, until he joined Bournemouth. Despite initial skepticism about a player who struggled in Serie A and the Bundesliga succeeding in the Premier League, Kluivert has thrived in his second season, scoring 13 goals across all competitions.
With two hat-tricks already this season, the Dutchman has 10 more league matches to further improve his record and solidify his impressive season, which could be the start of him finally fulfilling his potential.
Following his goalscoring performance in a 5-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Kluivert’s disallowed goal as ‘amazing’, highlighting him as a player to watch.
Vihaan Mehrotra