Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Newcastle: Magpies told to ‘break the budget’ for Mykhaylo Mudryk
Newcastle United need to ‘break the budget’ if they want any chance at signing Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to former BBC pundit Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: PIF give the green light
The Magpies are reportedly in the process of laying the foundations of a deal for the 21-year-old after being given the green light by PIF, though his club chief Dario Srna has stated that he will cost at least €100m (£87.5m).
During a recent interview with Sport Arena, the winger admitted that it was his dream to play in the Premier League, but feels that a move will be difficult to secure given the price tag put on his head.
The Latest: Whelan’s comments
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that Eddie Howe’s side need to splash the cash in January or risk losing out on Mudryk to their fellow competitors for good. He said:
“Newcastle are in a really good position and they’re ahead of schedule in that project right now.
“But January is a notoriously difficult window to get transfers done. Shakhtar hold all the cards right now.
“If you desperately want him and need him, then Newcastle have to be prepared to break the budget.
“That’s what the January window is. You’re paying above and beyond, but if you’re serious about finishing in the top four – it could be worth it.
“If you leave it, he could go somewhere else.
“To get in there first and in January, I think Newcastle will have to cave to those demands.”
The Verdict: Ritchie replacement
Mudryk has been dubbed the ‘Ukrainian Neymar’ by Jacek Kulig, and looking at his numbers for Shakhtar in 2022/23, this is a deal well worth completing.
The Krasnohrad native has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 17 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and has the versatility to operate on both flanks (Transfermarkt).
Matt Ritchie is believed to be leaving the northeast next year, so Mudryk would be the perfect replacement to have on the books at St. James’ Park.
