OPINION
Newcastle United have been on the hunt for a new striker all summer, and the Magpies look like they may finally get their wish with a deal for Mainz forward Yoshinori Muto looking close.
As reported by the Daily Mail, talks between the two clubs are progressing well over a £9million transfer for the Japan international, who scored ten goals in all competitions last season.
The Mail claim that Rafa Benitez is also hopeful of a loan swap deal involved West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon and Dwight Gayle.
While the Rondon move is one that makes sense, with the big Venezuelan having decent Premier League experience, the one for Muto looks like an error from the Magpies.
Muto’s record for Bundesliga side Mainz is 23 goals in 72 games, with 11 assists on top of that.
This is not the worst record by any stretch of the imagination, but it is not exactly inspiring either, and it is hard to see what Muto would bring to the table at St. James’ Park.
Rondon’s goalscoring record is actually worse for West Brom, but the powerful target man is able to lead the line on his own, and his experience in the league puts him in good stead to make an impact.
26-year-old Muto has only ever played in Japan and Germany, two leagues where the style of play is vastly different, and he will inevitably find it tough to adapt to England at first.
This is not to say that Muto will not come good eventually for Newcastle, but the club need players who can make an instant impact if they want to avoid another relegation battle.
It could easily be said that Newcastle could be spending this precious £9million elsewhere, with Benitez’s funds in the transfer market so limited this summer.
Hopefully Muto can prove the doubters wrong and become a key part of this Newcastle side, but it is hard to escape the feeling that this is £9million down the drain as we head towards the new season.
