GOODNEWS” Newcastle now on the verge of signing for ‘one of the best’ forwards in the world as Marc Guehi deal nears
Newcastle United have undoubtedly been left waiting this summer when it comes to making new additions to their squad, a situation that has been both frustrating and challenging for the club.
Initially, the outlook for Eddie Howe’s side appeared bright as the summer transfer window opened, with the signing of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer marking a promising start. However, since that early move, Newcastle’s activity in the transfer market has considerably slowed. The club has only managed to bring in two backup goalkeepers, and the anticipated influx of new talent has yet to materialize.
Despite the current stagnation, there are indications that Newcastle might be on the verge of a breakthrough. Recent reports suggest that the club is in advanced talks with Crystal Palace regarding a deal for Marc Guehi. The discussions between the two clubs are said to be progressing well, and Guehi himself is reportedly enthusiastic about making the move to Tyneside. This potential acquisition could be a significant boost for Newcastle, as it would address a critical area of need in their defense.
Furthermore, Newcastle’s transfer strategy seems to be shifting as they look to rejuvenate their squad. With Guehi’s deal seemingly approaching completion, there is also talk of renewed interest in bolstering the attacking options. The club’s focus now appears to be on finalizing this defensive reinforcement before turning their attention to additional areas for improvement.
While Newcastle’s transfer activity has been relatively subdued, there are positive aspects to consider. The club entered the summer transfer window with a clear understanding that they needed to balance their financial books in accordance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). Impressively, Newcastle managed to navigate this challenge without having to part with any of their star players, thereby maintaining their competitive edge.
However, it is clear that Eddie Howe is not entirely satisfied with the progress made thus far. The club’s interest in Barcelona’s Raphinha highlights their ambition to enhance their squad further. Barcelona recently received a bid of around €65 million (£56 million) from a Saudi Arabian club for the Brazilian winger, but this offer was below their valuation. The substantial fee being sought by Barcelona represents a significant hurdle for Newcastle.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that Raphinha himself is reportedly keen to stay at Barcelona. He is determined to prove his worth after joining the club in 2022, which adds another layer of difficulty to Newcastle’s pursuit. Nonetheless, Raphinha has been widely regarded as one of the top players in the world, and his arrival could address one of Newcastle’s most pressing needs.
In conclusion, while Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has been marked by some setbacks and delays, there are encouraging signs of progress. The club’s ongoing negotiations for Marc Guehi and their interest in high-profile targets like Raphinha suggest that they are actively working to strengthen their squad. If these deals come to fruition, it could significantly enhance Newcastle’s prospects for the upcoming season.