Last summer Newcastle pushed the boat out, nearly doubling the transfer record at St James’ Park to bring in Joelinton from Hoffenheim for £40m. But the Brazilian striker had no previous Premier League experience and had failed to score more than seven goals in a season, during his time in the German top-flight.
Unfortunately, Joelinton’s adaptation to the Premier League was not smooth and saw the 23-year-old go 2,130 minutes and 39 shots without scoring in the English top-flight. However, it appears the Newcastle hierarchy may have learned from their recruitment errors last term, based on the fact that the Magpies have been linked with moves for A.F.C Bournemouth’s Joshua King and Callum Wilson.
The strike duo often lined up alongside one another for the Cherries, but after relegation to the Championship both have been linked with moves elsewhere. King has just one year remaining on his existing contract which could be beneficial in helping Newcastle secure a deal for the Norwegian international. Although, it has been suggested that up to ten clubs have already enquired about his services, including French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Wilson has been valued at £30m by the Cherries, but that would make any move to the northeast an extreme challenge as Steve Bruce has reportedly only been given a £35m, plus player sales, transfer kitty this summer. Regardless, the suggestion that Newcastle are looking to bring in some experienced Premier League strikers epitomises a change in their recruitment strategy from last term.
The only other permanent summer arrival came in the form of Allan Saint-Maximin, who as significantly more impressive than Joelinton, scoring three and assisting four goals. Even so, the Frenchman did not adapt to life on Tyneside seamlessly, only scoring his first goal against Sheffield United in December.
If the Magpies can secure either Bournemouth striker, it will be a significant step in addressing the disastrous move for two-goal striker Joelinton. Newcastle’s frontline is crying out for some more potent players with Premier League experience. Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll, with 119 and 230 top-flight appearances respectively, scored just four strikes last season, with the England international failing to find the net after returning to St James’ Park. If Bruce fails to add a finishing touch in forward areas to the Toon, then another relegation battle could be looming.
