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Forget Pedro: Newcastle could land £60m “fantastic talent”
Newcastle United are yet to make a first-team signing in the summer transfer window, but they still have plenty of time to secure their targets.
It is no secret that the club are keen to add strength, talent and depth to their attacking options ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.
The Magpies have been linked with numerous forwards over the last few months, with Liam Delap, João Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Anthony Elanga all named as potential signings to bolster the front line.
Delap and Pedro have since joined Chelsea, while Mbeumo looks destined for a move to Manchester United.
However, Elanga remains a player the club are eager to convince to make the switch to Tyneside.
With the PSR deadline now out of the way, Newcastle are expected to complete their first deal for Burnley and England goalkeeper James Trafford imminently, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Yet a clear direction for their attacking reinforcements remains uncertain.
According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Newcastle United are determined to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
The report claims the club are preparing an offer of €70m (£60m) and are keen to move quickly to get ahead of any competition in their attempts to lure him to the North East.
It is further noted that the Bundesliga side would require a significant bid to consider parting ways with Simons, and it remains to be seen whether they would entertain Newcastle’s interest.
Should Newcastle sign Xavi Simons?
There is no doubt that Simons is an exciting prospect for Newcastle.
His versatility in positioning and threat in front of goal would certainly enhance the quality of Eddie Howe’s attack.
Over 33 appearances last season, the 22-year-old Dutchman – hailed as a “fantastic talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – scored 11 goals and registered eight assists, operating both as a left winger and in an attacking midfield role.
Simons also brings valuable Champions League experience to the Newcastle dressing room, with 13 appearances in the competition, scoring twice and providing two assists on Europe’s biggest stage.
Finding the perfect partner to unlock Alexander Isak’s potential even further will be a priority for the Magpies this summer.
Although Simons is not the traditional right winger fans might expect the club to target, his ability to drift wide and create space could offer a fresh dynamic to Howe’s system.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle make their interest in Simons concrete this summer, and how the manager might utilise his creativity in the squad next season.
