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Newcastle set sights on £68m “unbelievable finisher”
Newcastle are keen to bolster their attacking threat this summer and have been linked with several forwards already ahead of the transfer window.
The Magpies are in a strong position to qualify for Champions League football over their remaining four games of the season, and if they do achieve their goal, it will open them up to an exciting summer of recruitment.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell will be tasked with the challenge of adding further talent to the squad, ensuring key positions have enough depth to continue their progression and ambitions of becoming one of the most successful clubs in Europe.
The Saudi-led project has gone from strength to strength since the takeover and appointment of Eddie Howe, most recently ending a 70-year trophy drought when they won the Carabao Cup in March.
Now the club and the supporters have had a taste of success, they will be hungry for more so Champions League qualification and a strong summer transfer window would be the cherry on top of a fantastic 12 months on Tyneside.
Although the club will be in a stronger position to recruit new additions ahead of next season, they will likely remain cautious and only spend if it makes sense in the right positions with the right profile of players.
Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle are one of the clubs interested in Crystal Palace’s attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey claimed:
“Much will depend on Palace’s demands around his release clause, very few are needed to be paid in one lump sum and I don’t believe that Palace will do that to Eze either.
“City are looking at bolstering their attacking midfield ranks but Florian Wirtz is ahead of him in that regard, and I believe so are Lucas Paqueta, Charles De Ketelaere and Francisco Trincao but I would not dismiss it totally.
“Newcastle and Aston Villa also admire him, and if he does go – it will be a team playing in Europe.”
“Eze for his part feels the time is right to move and has expressed this to Palace.”
Should Newcastle sign Eberechi Eze?
While Eze is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and talented prospects in his position in the Premier League, he is not exactly what Newcastle are looking for at the moment.
A right winger is the likely priority for the Magpies with Jacob Murphy the only out-and-out player in the role at present, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes continue to compete for their spot as first choice on the left flank.
The centre-forward role is also an area where recruited depth is likely to be considered, as Alexander Isak may be the undisputed starting striker but it will be important to add competition and rotation for him if Callum Wilson does not extend on his expiring contract.
Over 30 Premier League appearances, Eze – once hailed an “unbelievable finisher” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner – has scored four goals, registered eight assists and created ten big chances, with strengths in playmaking and high pressing.
It is reported that the 26-year-old’s inactive release clause will be reactivated this summer and is believed to be in the region of £68m, which would be a significant investment for Newcastle.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle act upon their interest in Eze, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them focus their investments in more prioritised positions.
