It has been a difficult summer for Newcastle United, and the resignation of manager Eddie Howe has thrown another spanner in the works.
The 48-year-old called time on his five-year tenure on Tyneside this week, just a day before the squad were scheduled to begin their pre-season tour in Spain.
Between Howe’s shock exit and the departures of several key players, Newcastle are entering a period of transition, and a strong recruitment drive in the remaining weeks of the window could soften the blow.
What’s the latest Newcastle transfer news?
According to Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manhã, Newcastle are interested in signing FC Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt.
The report claims the North East giants sent scouts to watch him play several times last season and were impressed with what they saw.
Porto have reportedly already told Newcastle they would need to pay an estimated £73.6m to secure the signing of Froholdt, which would trigger the full value of his release clause.
Who is Victor Froholdt?
The Denmark native is a highly rated box-to-box midfielder who worked his way through the FC Copenhagen academy to the first team before signing for Porto last summer.
Over 52 appearances in midfield last season, the 20-year-old ace scored eight goals and registered seven assists, while showcasing his strengths in dribbling and key passes, demonstrating his threat in the final third.
Despite still being in the early stages of his career, Froholdt has already been called up to the Denmark national team and has earned heaps of praise for his performances for both Porto and on the international stage.
Former Danish international Mikkel Beckmann told Viaplay:
“He [Froholdt] arrived at the national team camp on fire. He runs like a Duracell bunny, does nothing wrong… And scores incredible goals.”
“The pressure he puts on opponents is on a completely different level. It’s obvious he’s in a great moment.”
Following the sale of Sandro Tonali and the expected departure of Bruno Guimaraes, a bright spark in midfield will be desperately needed at St James’ Park next season.
A move for Froholdt would bring excitement to the squad and provide the new manager with a fantastic young talent who could become an instant fan favourite if he brings the same energy from Porto to Tyneside.
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