According to the latest reports from the Chronicle live transfer blog (8:15), Club Brugge have increased Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes’ asking price. Previously it was reported that the striker would be available for £16m, but now the Belgian outfit wants £26.5m. That’s £10m more than the previous price, and Newcastle United should be worried if they were keen on the striker.
Reports suggest that Lazio recently bid £16m and Brugge rejected that offer and are now holding their star striker to the new price. Newcastle United are said to be way off the mark in terms of a potential move for the Mores as the club is going through an ownership takeover. Rafael Benitez’s future is still not secured, and player signings have seemingly taken a backseat at the moment.
This might be an issue for the Magpies as it is yet not clear who will be the manager and how much will he get to spend in the transfer market with the ownership situation also uncertain.
In a situation like this, they could end up on losing their transfer targets as other clubs might be able to make more progress during this uncertain phase.
What will Wesley Moraes bring to St. James’ Park?
The 22-year-old is a traditional targetman, and he has the ability to outmuscle the defenders. The forward had an impressive last season as he scored 17 goals for the Belgian heavyweights and even contributed with ten assists. Moraes can hold up the ball well and get his team-mates into the game, and that is the reason why the Brazilian has a healthy number of assists to his name as well.
One of his most underrated and a standout attribute is his terrific work rate. Moraes chases all lost cause and helps his side press from the top. That is one of the reasons why we feel the Toon are interested in him as Benitez wants his striker to work hard up front.
Should Newcastle United pay the new asking price?
The Toon can sign Salomon Rondon for £16m, but he is not a long term prospect as he is already 29. We still feel that Moraes is worth his price as he is yet to hit his true potential and can be a top striker for the next few years. The Magpies might only pay the new price if the new owners come in, but they need to sort things out quickly as Lazio are also in the race to sign him.
