JUST IN: Club director breaks silence on £43m forward after ‘most likely’ Newcastle United claim
Randal Kolo Muani Keen on Juventus Return Amid Transfer Speculation
Randal Kolo Muani has made it clear that his preference is to rejoin Juventus, despite previous suggestions that a move to Newcastle United was the most likely outcome for the French international. The Paris Saint-Germain forward spent the second half of last season on loan at the Italian club, where he impressed with his performances and regained some of the form that made him one of Europe’s most talked-about attacking talents.
The 25-year-old’s future has been uncertain ever since he fell out of favour at PSG under manager Luis Enrique. With limited playing time in Paris and no sign of a role in Enrique’s plans moving forward, Kolo Muani was told upon his return this summer that he is free to leave the French capital on a permanent basis. PSG have reportedly set an asking price in the region of £43 million (€50 million), making him an attractive option for several clubs in need of attacking reinforcements.
Earlier this month, respected journalist Duncan Castles revealed that Newcastle United had entered the conversation for Kolo Muani’s signature, and at that point, they were considered the frontrunners for his services. However, developments—or lack thereof—since then indicate that Newcastle’s pursuit has either cooled or never truly progressed to an advanced stage.
In contrast, Juventus have remained consistently interested in bringing the striker back to Turin. According to Juventus general manager Damien Comolli, the player himself is pushing for a return to Serie A. Speaking to the media, Comolli confirmed the club is in discussions with PSG and that Kolo Muani’s preference is to rejoin the Old Lady.
“Yes, Kolo Muani wants to return to Juventus,” said Comolli, as relayed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. “We are in ongoing talks with Paris Saint-Germain. The player’s desire is clear—he wants to come back to Juventus. That’s his wish, so we are not rushing the process.”
Despite some murmurs that Tottenham Hotspur could attempt to hijack the deal and lure Kolo Muani to North London, there has been little concrete evidence to suggest a move to the Premier League is on the cards. Newcastle’s absence from recent reports further diminishes the likelihood of them landing the French striker.
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Newcastle United Continue Search for a Striker Amid Alexander Isak Uncertainty
Newcastle United are still actively exploring options to bolster their forward line before the transfer window closes on September 1. The Magpies have made the signing of a new striker a priority, particularly with the future of star forward Alexander Isak hanging in the balance.
Isak, who scored 23 goals last season and has rapidly become one of the Premier League’s most coveted talents, is reportedly keen on a move to title holders Liverpool. However, Newcastle are reluctant to part ways with the Swedish international unless they first secure a suitable replacement—and only if Liverpool meet the club’s £150 million valuation, which would set a new British transfer record.
In the meantime, Newcastle have been exploring multiple options in the market. They are awaiting a final decision from RB Leipzig’s highly rated striker Benjamin Sesko. However, sources close to the situation suggest the Slovenian is leaning toward a transfer to Manchester United, leaving Newcastle in a difficult position.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have also been identified as potential alternatives, though both deals would be complex and expensive given each player’s importance to their respective clubs.
Another active target is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Newcastle have already submitted two formal bids for the 28-year-old Congolese forward, with the latest offer believed to be around £35 million. However, Brentford have rejected both proposals, holding out for a fee closer to £40 million or more. Wissa is reportedly refusing to train in an attempt to force the move, but the Bees—reluctant sellers after a challenging summer—remain firm in their valuation.
Brentford have already lost several key figures during the current window, including head coach Thomas Frank, who joined Tottenham, influential midfielder Christian Norgaard, who moved to Arsenal, and star attacker Bryan Mbeumo, now at Manchester United. Losing Wissa would further deplete a squad already undergoing a significant transition.
With just weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, Newcastle’s striker search continues in earnest. While Randal Kolo Muani seems bound for a return to Juventus, the Magpies must turn their focus to more realistic and attainable targets to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season.