Newcastle United have been advised to swerve the signing of on-loan Everton striker Moise Kean.
That is according to pundit Noel Whelan, who believes that the Magpies should look elsewhere in their bid to sign a centre-forward in the upcoming January transfer window.
What’s the word?
Kean could cost Juventus a reported £30m, with the Serie A club apparently holding an obligation to turn his loan move into a permanent £24m deal, in addition to the £6m loan fee which has already been paid to Everton.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “No disrespect to Kean. He came to the Premier League with Everton and found it very difficult.
“He didn’t set the world alight and, in the end, there were more negatives than positives in his performances.
“Looking back at that season, I’d say it was too much for him.
“Whether he struggled with the style of play at Everton, I don’t know. They had much better attacking players back then.
“I don’t think Kean would improve Newcastle’s squad too much.
“If they’re looking for someone to come in and try and keep them around those Champions League spots, I think they’ve got to look for a better option than Moise Kean.”
If they sign him, play him
Whelan has a point. Kean’s record has not been groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination throughout his career so far, certainly not during his time with Everton in the Premier League.
There have been signs of his ability at elite clubs such as Paris Saint-German and Juventus, where the 22-year-old currently resides on loan, although consistent minutes have not always been granted.
When they have, Kean has delivered the goods.
The Italian scored five goals in his last five games for Juventus before the break for the World Cup and also showed his prowess in front of goal just a couple of seasons prior when he struck 13 Ligue 1 goals in 26 appearances at PSG. It’s worth noting that he started 22 of those games.
The theme here? Consistent starts usually yield impressive returns for Kean. At Everton, despite making 29 appearances in the 2019/20 Premier League, he started just six times and endured a measly return of two goals and two assists.
If Newcastle can offer Kean consistent minutes at the very least, a January swoop could turn out to be a masterclass by PIF despite Whelan’s reservations.
