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Newcastle are keen on bolstering their attacking threat this summer and will be in the market to find a talented forward who can boost contributions next season.
The Magpies secured their first silverware in 70 years and qualified for Champions League football this season, marking one of their most successful campaigns ever.
While Eddie Howe has deservedly written his name in the club’s history, the former Bournemouth boss will be eager to continue leading the club to further success and progression for years to come.
The Champions League qualification presents an outstanding opportunity to not only rub shoulders with Europe’s most elite clubs but to become one of them by competing at a high level on one of the biggest stages in world football.
To do so, a summer of top recruitment is much needed on Tyneside, and despite the departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell, they are expected to make some serious waves in the transfer market.
It has been widely reported that Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is a top target for the Geordies, with a £60m price tag required to secure his services ahead of next season.
However, Newcastle now have competition for the signing of the talented winger as Manchester United are also keen on snapping up the Cameroon international this summer.
As a result, Football Insider are reporting that Newcastle will be prepared to turn their attentions elsewhere if they cannot compete with the Red Devils for Mbeumo.
Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Newcastle are interested in signing West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus as an alternative if they don’t get their first choice forward.
O’Rourke revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast:
“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus,”
“Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.”
“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that.”
“Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee.”
“If Newcastle were to miss out on Mbeumo to Man United or somebody else, it would push Kudus further up their list of targets for the right-winger role.”
“If Newcastle come calling with Champions League football, it’s something he would be open to.”
Should Newcastle sign Mohammed Kudus?
Following the sale of Miguel Almiron back in January, there is no doubt that finding the long-term solution to the right-side of the Newcastle attacking threat is a huge priority.
Indeed, Mbeumo would be an outstanding signing for the Magpies, but Kudus also has a lot to offer the club and with the right guidance could develop into a hugely influential contributor alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
The 24-year-old has scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists since joining the Hammers with a goal contribution every 194 minutes, utilised as a right winger, left winger, centre forward and an attacking midfield during his time in East London.
There is definitely room for improvement in Kudus’ contributions, but his diversity in positioning, Premier League experience and confidence in the final third makes him the ideal candidate to take his game to the next level under Howe.
The Ghana international has been the recipient of high praise over his time in the top flight, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot waxing lyrical about Kudus this season:
“I think he’s a good player, that’s for sure. Everybody sees this,”
“He can play multiple positions. He’s a big threat for them.”
With that being said, a move for Kudus doesn’t many any sense if a deal for Mbeumo is completed, but the West Ham star has the potential to be a worthy alternative if it doesn’t materialise.
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