Newcastle United could move for one target to remedy their problems at the top of the pitch.
There were some proposals. Newcastle United’s team will be overhauled as the Magpies seek to move on from a disappointing season.
Just a year ago, Eddie Howe’s team was on a five-game winning streak, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful push for a top four spot, as the Magpies defeated Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham to earn a spot in this season’s Champions League.
Fast forward to the present, and we see a Magpies group that has failed to match the levels of intensity and consistency that defined their unexpected push to join the elite of European football.
Big decisions await Howe’s present squad as several long-serving players enter the last months of their contracts, while others reach the natural end of their time at St James’ Park. The following months will reveal a lot about United’s next actions under the ownership of a PIF-led consortium, as they strive to become regular Champions League and major title challengers.
Some difficult decisions will have to be made in several critical areas, particularly at the top of the pitch, where Howe has been constrained to a rigorous schedule with only Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as acknowledged attackers. His cause has not been helped by both players’ injuries this season, and if, and only if, United are to reclaim their place among the league’s elite next season, at least one top-tier frontman must be brought in over the summer.
Top attackers are in short supply, and they will not come cheaply or without competition from rival clubs eager to address their own concerns in the attacking third. Magpies scouts have been watching games in Europe’s top divisions, and the United leadership is still putting together a list of potential targets ahead of what promises to be a hectic summer of activity at St. James’ Park.
Ambition should not be questioned, which is why the Magpies’ top brass must do all possible to guarantee Howe has access to a broader pool of quality forwards when the new season begins in August. There is thought to be a preference for players with English football experience and room to grow and develop during their time at St. James’ Park, which may lead to one striker who has been in incredible form this season.
After struggling to break through at Brighton, Viktor Gyokeres quickly became a prolific striker during his tenure with Coventry City, netting 43 goals and providing 17 assists in 116 appearances for the Championship club. His impressive performance caught the attention of several suitors, with Portuguese powerhouse Sporting CP ultimately securing his services for £17 million during the summer transfer window.
Despite his undeniable talent, few could have predicted the impact Gyokeres would have in Lisbon, where his team is vying for success in the Primeira Liga, Europa League, and Taca de Portugal. Ahead of Sporting’s Europa League round-of-16 second leg clash with Atalanta, Gyokeres has notched 33 goals and 12 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, attracting interest from scouts representing some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
While skeptics may question his ability to transition from the Portuguese league to the Premier League, a closer look at Gyokeres’s physical attributes and on-field performance suggests he is well-equipped to thrive in English football’s top flight. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he possesses the physicality needed for the Premier League, and his potential integration into Newcastle would be facilitated by the presence of Swedish teammates Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth.
Comparisons between Gyokeres and notable strikers like Isak, Wilson, and Haaland reveal intriguing statistics. Gyokeres surpasses his potential teammates in average shots taken per game and boasts a higher percentage of shots on target compared to Haaland. Additionally, he has better passing statistics and creates more scoring opportunities for his teammates, averaging 4.5 per game.
Moreover, Gyokeres demonstrates effective pressing, aligning with the demands of Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe for forwards. His defensive contributions, including challenges, successful tackles, blocks, take-ons, and ball carries, outshine those of Wilson, Isak, and Haaland.
While acknowledging that Gyokeres may not face Premier League-quality defenders regularly, his statistics illustrate the qualities necessary to lead Newcastle’s attack next season and provide stiff competition.
However, Newcastle’s ability to meet Sporting’s asking price of around £80 million remains a significant hurdle, considering their financial constraints under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations and FIFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. Despite the potential financial challenges, securing Gyokeres could prove to be a savvy move for Newcastle if they can find a way to negotiate a deal.
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