According to a recent report by ESPN, Premier League outfit Newcastle United are said to have begun making transfer plans for the upcoming summer with new attackers as well as the introduction of an experienced manager reportedly in the works. The report suggests that various top managers are being considered for the role, including Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino. Dries Mertens, Edinson Cavani and Chelsea winger Willian are all claimed to be summer targets for the Magpies.
The report suggests that the Toon are keen to sign Cavani in the summer when the Uruguayan’s current contract at the Parc De Princes is set to expire. The report has also revealed that an official intimation of the club’s sale to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund will be issued to the general public soon and that contracts have been exchanged between the two parties to seal the deal effectively. Although the Magpies are said to be aware of the fact that securing the aforementioned transfers will be no cake-walk, their mammoth financial backing should paper over the cracks drastically.
What Is The Magpies Current Strike Situation?
The Tyneside club, before the start of the 19/20 league campaign, secured who they thought was going to be the man to guide Newcastle United back to the top of the Premier League – Brazilian striker Joelinton. The 23-year-old arrived at St. James’ Park on the back of a club-record deal which cost the Magpies a little over £40m to acquire. While he did show signs of quality in a couple of the opening fixtures, it must be conceded that Joelinton’s impact has been forgettable.
The former Bundesliga striker managed just a single goal all through the league campaign, despite playing in a whopping 29 fixtures. While it could be argued that getting used to the Premier League takes time, Joelinton’s influence within the team was so small that he often looked invisible despite spending the entire ninety minutes on the pitch. While the Magpies also possess the services of Yoshinori Muto, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll, it’s safe to say that none of them would even remotely make the cut at Tyneside next season.
Should The Magpies Move For Cavani In The Summer?
The Uruguayan international attacker has been around the scene for the longest time now, and his exploits with Napoli and PSG over the years have become the stuff of European footballing legend. Despite his fantastic quality and experience, the 34-year-old has only been allowed to feature in 14 Ligue 1 games for PSG this season – a period during which he’s managed to notch up an underwhelming return of four goals and a further two assists. The attacker even played in three Champions League games for PSG this season and managed to score a goal along the way.
Cavani has undoubtedly been one of the most potent goalscorers of the last decade. While it could be argued that his quality trumps all, the Uruguayan’s advancing age is sure to come as a concern to whoever the Newcastle United manager is next season.
Although he would probably get a few goals, the salary that the Tyneside club will have to shell out to get a player like Cavani to move to St. James’ Park would be monstrous, to say the least. All things considered, as good as this deal sounds on paper, it would probably be best on the Magpies’ part to avoid signing a 34-year-old, who is sure to demand an exorbitant salary in the process as well.
