PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko’s agent Gerard Witters has dismissed any chance of the player leaving the Netherlands in the January transfer window.
Newcastle United are reportedly making the signing of a right winger their top priority during the January transfer window, and Paul Mitchell will be tasked to find the perfect profile of player to complete the attacking threat.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have established themselves as the trusted attackers in the forward line, however, the right flank has been an open position to compete for between Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron, with Joelinton also occasionally dropping in to cover the role.
Almiron, in particular, has seen his game time significantly decrease this season and has been widely reported to be on the move to the MLS this January via Charlotte FC, which would boost Newcastle’s ability to spend to improve the position in the remaining days of January.
Last month, it was claimed by The Telegraph that Newcastle were considering a move for PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko, as they braced themselves for offers for Harvey Barnes in the new year.
However, that ship seems to have quickly sailed now that the 21-year-old Belgian destroyer’s agent has made it clear that his client will not be leaving the Eredivisie club in January for any amount of money.
Gerard Witters delivered the blow (via Chronicle Live):
“Bakayoko will not leave PSV this season, regardless of the amount,”
Will Newcastle sign a right winger in January?
There is no doubt that Bakayoko would have been an incredible acquisition for the Magpies in their quest to dominate in the Premier League and European football in the future, but with a reported £50m price tag he may not have been obtainable at this time.
It is no secret that Newcastle are at war with their financial obligations when it comes to adding depth to their team in the transfer market, and Eddie Howe has reiterated on several occasions that it would take the sale of players to bring in fresh meat.
Having said that, the North East giants must not rest on their laurels as they have an incredible opportunity with their recent form to comfortably compete for a Champions League spot and a domestic trophy over the remaining months of the season.
As a result, the signing of a right winger would be perfect to not only see out the season on a high, but to finally complete the dream attacking trio that Newcastle fans can get behind for years to come.
Despite missing out on Bakayoko, the Tynesiders remain in the conversation to sign an attacker in January with names including Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Asensio and Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling being put forward in the media.
With that being said, all is not lost in Newcastle’s pursuit to improve their attacking threat this month and it will be interesting to see if they will put themselves forward for any of the reported targets in the weeks to come.
