According to a recent report by Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle United are hoping to secure the signature of Club Brugge centre-forward Wesley Moraes during the summer transfer period. However, the same source has also claimed that the Magpies will face stiff competition from West Ham United and Lazio in pursuit of the Brazilian striker.
The Recent Emergence Of Wesley Moraes
Moraes grew up playing football back in Brazil for Itabuna Esporte Clube before switching clubs to play for the Slovakian outfit, AS Trenčín in the summer of 2015. Club Brugge decided to give him a shot in the Belgian top-flight at the beginning of 2016 after the Brazilian striker scored eight goals in 22 matches for Trencin.
Since his move to Belgium, Moraes has gradually improved his game and is now one of the most prolific goal-getters in European football. The Brazilian striker has scored 17 goals while creating ten assists in 48 matches for Club Brugge across all competitions.
The Brazilian sensation’s incredible goal-scoring contributions have helped his team secure an impressive 2nd placed finish in the Jupiler Pro League this season.
What Will The Brazilian Bring To St. James’ Park?
Moraes is quite dominant in the air, which makes him an ideal target man up top. He can hold the ball up effectively to get others involved in the game. The Juiz de Fora born talent also boasts decent pace and knows how to find the back of the net consistently. The Brugge prospect has the perfect blend of pace and power to succeed at one of the top European leagues.
Is He The Right Choice For The Magpies?
The addition of the Brazilian striker would undoubtedly bolster Rafael Benitez’s attacking options at the Tyneside club. Moraes could be an ideal replacement for Salomon Rondon, who will return to West Bromwich Albion after his loan spell expires later this summer, and will add a lot of goals to the Magpies frontline.
However, the South American sensation is yet to prove his worth at the highest level. Hence, there is a concern over whether the 22-year-old will be ready to cope with the physical toll of playing in the Premier League.
