- Newcastle United linked to Anan Khalaili
- Khalaili’s Champions League exploits catalyst for interest
- Why Khalaili could work for Eddie Howe
Newcastle United are still on the hunt for their Anthony Gordon replacement, with Union Saint-Gilloise wide man Anan Khalaili the newest asset on the Magpies’ radar.
Gordon’s departure has seen a plethora of names mentioned as potential targets, with the likes of Victor Munoz, Said El Mala and Bazoumana Toure the most prominent to this point. But Khalaili has now also emerged as an option being explored by Newcastle, as reported by Chris Waugh.
Khalaili is being tracked by a number of clubs across Europe after some impressive performances this season, which have seen him accumulate 12 G/A from wing-back.
The 21-year-old could mark a slightly more budget-friendly option should the Magpies pursue a move.
Newcastle interested in Khalaili
Interestingly enough, the call that Khalaili could be signed as a direct Gordon replacement may not be the whole truth.
Khalaili mainly operates on the right-hand side and is often even deployed as a wing-back or full-back for the Belgian side. This versatility could endear him to Eddie Howe, especially with the possibility of other big departures this summer.
While Khalaili may not be an obvious Gordon replacement, Newcastle have shown signs of tactical change, especially toward the back end of last season. That could mean Khalaili is seen as the replacement in the squad for Gordon, without necessarily filling his slot on the left flank.
Khalaili could cost somewhere in the region of £20m, which would leave a lot of room in the budget acquired from the Gordon sale for further additions to the squad.
Newcastle faced Khalaili in Champions League
Newcastle United were actually privy to what Anan Khalaili could do in last year’s Champions League group phase.
The Magpies were rampant in Belgium and came away with a 4-0 win in an excellent performance that saw Gordon grab a brace and Harvey Barnes score off the bench.
But, despite the pasting that Union St Gilloise received, Khalaili still managed to put in a very respectable performance and came away with a lot of credit for his showing.
The Israeli was by far USG’s most exciting attacker and was a constant threat down the right-hand side, despite the Belgian side’s lack of possession.
USG looked to play on the counterattack in that fixture back in October, with Khalaili creating two big chances during his time on the pitch.
Khalaili’s pace and trickery in transition could be a very endearing trait to Howe as he looks to build an adaptable side to take on next year’s Premier League campaign.
His performance was the catalyst for the Magpies to do some groundwork on the wide man, and the club was linked with him in the aftermath of that fixture.
Whilst those links died down, it now appears the interest is reignited ahead of a busy transfer window, and the 21-year-old is once again on Newcastle United’s radar.
