Newcastle United have had a tough time this summer. The first problem has been the departure of some of their best players. Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and club captain Bruno Guimaraes have all left within the space of a few months.
If the weakening of the squad was not enough, Eddie Howe has left as well. He has been replaced by Matthias Jaissle. It remains to be seen if he is able to fill the League Cup winner’s shoes.
Another big issue for Newcastle United has been their inability to attract talent this summer. Victor Munoz joined Liverpool. Johan Manzambi chose a move to Aston Villa, even after a fee had been agreed with SC Freiburg.
Just when you thought Newcastle United’s summer transfer window could not get any worse, it just has. It is no longer just top youngsters drawing interest from Champions League clubs that are turning down a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United turned down again
According to Fabrizio Romano, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s move to Newcastle United is currently off following new talks. The Magpies were prepared to pay what Marseille wanted but the midfielder has decided to turn down the proposal.
At this point, this is getting very worrying. Yes, Newcastle United do not have European football. But is that it? Or is there something more that we are not seeing here?
Of course, the last thing that Newcastle United fans would have expected was for Hojbjerg to decide not to join. Especially after earlier reports had suggested that he was open to a return to the Premier League.
Hojbjerg would have added some much-needed quality and experience to this team. But as it looks like the move is no longer on the cards, there is not much point in dwelling on it.
Newcastle have an alternative target already
Newcastle United do not have any time to waste and must turn their attention immediately. Fortunately, it does seem like they have been keeping an eye out on alternative targets as well.
Just recently, Newcastle United had been linked with another 31-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder. It is none other than Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha is currently on the books at Bayern Munich. But he spent time out on loan last season, and could be on the move once again.
Now that Newcastle United have missed out on Hojbjerg, it would not be a bad idea to try and focus on signing Palhinha instead. Would he be open to joining the Magpies? Of course, that is a question you have to ask yourself pretty much every time the club are linked with someone at this point.
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