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Newcastle: Magpies have ‘looked at’ Victor Osimhen
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The lowdown
So far this summer, Eddie Howe has signed Matt Targett permanently and also added goalkeeper Nick Pope to his ranks.
The club have also finalised a deal to bring in Lille centre-back Sven Botman, so that end of the pitch may now be covered, and it seems the boss is intent on signing a youthful striker next.
Newcastle’s proposed deal for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike has now been declared ‘off’ after the club grew ‘frustrated’ at the demands of his agent, and it’s not the best news on Osimhen either…
The latest
CBS Sports reporter Jacobs says that ‘Newcastle have looked at’ Osimhen as an alternative to Ekitike.
However, that deal is thought to be ‘highly unlikely’ at this moment in time. That’s partly because, right now, the Nigerian is ‘happy at Napoli’.
The verdict
Osimhen was excellent last season either side of a cheekbone fracture that kept him out for 54 days and 12 matches.
He scored 18 times and laid on six assists in his 32 appearances for Luciano Spaletti’s side. It was no surprise to see the 23-year-old earn the league’s Best Young Player award, and his potential has been clear ever since he won the Golden Boot at the Under-17 World Cup back in 2015.
Should Newcastle sign Osimhen?
Yes
No
While a move for Osimhen may not be realistic this summer, Newcastle’s admiration is clear. Who’s to say, then, that they won’t be knocking on Napoli’s door in 12 months’ time?
And significantly, they may be in much a better position at that stage. Currently, the Magpies would be asking Osimhen to forego European football, but they may be able to qualify this season if they can sustain their excellent form under Howe.
