According to Foot News (via Sport Witness), Newcastle United are very interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko to bolster their attack.
Newcastle are expected to be busy in the January transfer window after a summer of disappointment in the recruitment department, and there are two particular positions that remain a priority.
It was clear that the Magpies were desperate to sign a centre-back in the summer, with several ambitious attempts to secure the acquisition of Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi.
Although there were reported offers of up to £65m tabled by the North East outfit, it became impossible in the dying days to convince Palace to part ways with one of their most valuable players.
It would be no surprise to see the club reignite their intentions to add depth to their defensive set up should the opportunity arise in the new year, however, a more pressing concern has developed since the new campaign has started.
It has been widely reported that Newcastle will instead focus on improving their attacking threat when the transfer market opens again, with the view to add a right winger to support Alexander Isak in boosting goal contributions for more convincing results.
Now Belgian news outlet Foot News are reporting that Newcastle are very interested in signing PSV Eindhoven star John Bakayoko.
The publication claims that Newcastle have been keen to upgrade their winger position for some time now, and are considering an offer for the Belgium international in January.
Should Newcastle sign Johan Bakayoko?
There is no doubt that the signing of a prolific right winger would immediately boost the attacking threat on Tyneside ahead of the second half of the season, especially with Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy failing to impress so far.
Neither Almiron or Murphy have managed to find the back of the net this season, and the former has had his game time significantly reduced over the last few months after being linked with a move away throughout the summer transfer window.
Over 12 Eredivisie appearances so far, Bakayoko – once hailed “incredible” by Chelsea and Belgium legend Didier Drogba – has scored four goals, registered one assist and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.6 key passes, 51.6 touches and 2.3 shots on goal per game, as per SofaScore.
Not only that, the talented forward ranks in the top 4% of his positional peers across the Men’s Next 14 Competitions for progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches and non-penalty goals, as well as ranking in the top 15% for shots on goal and pass completion, an insight into his dominance on the pitch both in possession and in ball-winning opportunities.
The 21-year-old clearly demonstrates the potential to offer a huge and positive improvement on goal contributions and general game involvement compared to Almiron and Murphy, which makes it seem like a no-brainer for Newcastle to explore.
Having said that, it was reported earlier this year that PSV would expect to command a transfer fee of around €50m-€60m (£43m-£51m) to party ways with their star winger, it is not clear on their stance remains the same as he will enter the last year of his contract next season.
With that being said, a move for Bakayoko is definitely one to watch for Newcastle fans and would be an exciting prospect for the future of the ambitious project at the club.
