Newcastle United need to strengthen all across the pitch. And it looks like they are focusing on bringing talented youngsters to the club. Bazoumana Toure’s arrival has already been announced. Sean Steur’s transfer from Ajax only seems like a matter of time.
At the same time, there has to be a recognition that you cannot build a winning project with just youth and potential. Chelsea have tried. Just ask them how it turned out.
Newcastle United cannot repeat those mistakes. While it is completely understandable to try and bring in elite talents while their transfer value is still within the club’s budget, at the same time, there is a need to surround them with proven talents as well.
It looks like Newcastle United might be preparing to do that as well. A former Liverpool striker is on their radar. And he could be available as a free agent.
Newcastle United eyeing former Liverpool striker
According to Football Insider, Darwin Nunez is drawing the interest of Newcastle United as he edges closer to leaving Al-Hilal this summer.
Nunez still has two years left on his Al-Hilal contract. But he could see that deal terminated, so he might be able to leave on a free transfer ahead of next season.
Pete O’Rourke said while speaking on their Transfer Insider podcast regarding the situation of Nunez and potential interest from Newcastle United:
“There is talk that his contract could even be cancelled as well…a number of Premier League clubs are looking at him, including Newcastle. They have registered their interest.”
Why signing Nunez could be a good idea for Newcastle United
Firstly, Liverpool had paid a £85 million transfer package, including add-ons, to sign Nunez from Benfica. When he left for Al-Hilal, the fee was believed to be in the region of £53 million.
So, it feels like a no-brainer to sign that kind of a talent as a free agent, if he does end up seeing his Al-Hilal contract terminated this summer.
Also, let’s not forget that Nunez is still just 27 years of age. There is a possibility that he has not even entered his prime yet. So, why not take that little bit of risk and give him a chance at St James’ Park? On a free transfer, there is not much to lose.
Newcastle United simply have not had a consistent goalscorer since Alexander Isak left for Liverpool. Nick Woltemade started well but lost his form along the way, to the point where he was not even playing as a striker at times by the end of the season. Yoane Wissa never found his feet at all and scored three goals over the campaign.
So, there is not much to lose if you are Newcastle United, when it comes to signing someone like Nunez as a free agent in this summer transfer window.
