Quantcast
Latest News

Newcastle eye a move for “unbelievable” £24m ace

|
Image for Newcastle eye a move for “unbelievable” £24m ace

According to iNews, Newcastle United are interested in AFC Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi as a potential long-term replacement for Fabian Schar.

Newcastle have been in the market for a centre-back signing for a while, but they have yet to make any concrete move in the January transfer window to acquire one.

The transfer market will close in less than a week, and after the very public battle to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, the club is likely to keep its cards close to its chest this time.

The imminent sale of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United will put the Magpies in a great position regarding the Profitability and Sustainability rules (PSR), set to bank a reported £9m from the exit of the Paraguayan this week.

Almiron’s exit further highlights the need for Newcastle to sign a right-winger when possible, whilst they also remain keen on finding a right-footed replacement for centre-back Fabian Schar, who recently turned 33.

According to Mark Douglas for iNews, the North East giants have identified a potential target to complete the long-term future of the centre-back partnership, as AFC Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi is named.

The right-footed Ukrainian is having an incredible campaign with the Cherries, and his quality has not gone unnoticed by Newcastle, who believe he could be the perfect profile to work alongside Sven Botman in the defensive set-up.

Douglas further notes that there is no chance that Bournemouth would be willing to sell one of their most influential players in January, however, they may reassess his availability in the summer.

Will Newcastle make any signings in January?

The Magpies have the opportunity to have their best season in decades if they can stay on track, with the potential of winning two domestic trophies still in their hands as they head into the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal already 2-0 up next week.

Not only that, there is another huge chance to secure Champions League football for the second time under Eddie Howe, currently matching Manchester City in fourth for points on the board.

No doubt signing a new right winger to replace Almiron would be massively advantageous to Newcastle in preparation for the business end of the season, but it is highly unrealistic at this point.

In terms of Zabarnyi, he would be a fantastic signing for the Tynesiders if they could convince Bournemouth to part ways with him in the summer as they look towards a future without Schar.

Indeed, it is reported that Schar is likely to be offered an extension to remain at St James’ Park for next season, but bringing in his successor for the last 12 months of his tenure would put Newcastle in a great position to make a smooth transition, similar to that of Kieran Trippier and his successor Tino Livramento.

Over 23 Premier League appearances, Zabarnyi – once hailed “unbelievable” by former teammate Philip Billing – has successfully won 66% of his duels and kept six clean sheets, as well as averaging five clearances, 4.7 ball recoveries, 1.6 tackles, 59.3 touches and 38.7 accurate passes per game, displaying his consistent dominance for the Cherries.

The 22-year-old signed for Bournemouth back in January 2023 in a deal worth £24m and signed a 5-year-deal to extend his stay just six months ago, so it will be interesting to see what valuation is expected from the club if they were to make him available in the summer.

Share this article

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *