Newcastle United need to add to their forward ranks before the summer transfer window comes to a close. Let us not forget how badly the Magpies’ strikers struggled in front of goal last season, following the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Nick Woltemade failed to justify the transfer fee Newcastle United had paid to sign him. The German striker had started brilliantly, scoring four times in his first five Premier League games. But he would lose his form and often did not even play as a centre-forward towards the end of the campaign.
Woltemade would finish the campaign with just 11 goals across all competitions. On the other hand, Yoane Wissa managed three. So, the two strikers, who had been signed for a combined £115 million last summer, produced 14 goals in total.
That is nowhere near good enough. It is very easy to see why many Newcastle United fans want another big-name striker to be brought in. And Luis Suarez of Sporting CP is someone they have been linked with. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones.
Fabrizio Romano drops double update on Newcastle United target Luis Suarez
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are considering Suarez among their transfer options if the Julian Alvarez deal doesn’t happen this summer.
But it is not easy as he is a key player for Sporting CP. Barcelona will only consider Suarez and other options from next week, if the Alvarez deal is still off.
In a later update, Romano further added that Sporting CP have made it clear that they have no plans to part with Suarez this summer. He is seen as a key player.
Sporting CP have been pointing to his €80m release clause to every club interested this summer. It is believed that Newcastle United had made an approach a few months back and had been told to meet it if they wanted the striker.
Barcelona interest makes things much tougher for Newcastle
If Newcastle had a chance of signing Suarez this summer, they have decreased dramatically since it has become clear that Barcelona also have him on their radar.
This summer, we have already seen Newcastle United compete with other clubs for signings. Victor Munoz chose to join Liverpool when a deal had seemed as good as done. Johan Manzambi picked Aston Villa even after the Magpies had agreed a deal with SC Freiburg.
So, if Newcastle United end up needing to compete with Barcelona for the signature of Suarez, I can only see it going one way. We all know which.
Of course, it is very possible that Barcelona might not be ready to meet that €80 million release clause. Then again, the Magpies have not been splashing the cash this summer either.
