Newcastle United wanted Christopher Nkunku but now feel that the RB Leipzig sensation will be heading to a Champions League club with his next move.
Newcastle ended up finishing well clear of relegation having enjoyed a superb second half of the season under Eddie Howe.
Now things get interesting.
This is Newcastle’s first summer window with the investment from PIF and you can expect some exciting signings.
January business was impressive enough but with more time to get deals done, this summer should be huge for Newcastle.
Just how much PIF will spend remains to be seen and Newcastle may face some problems targeting the big names.
Newcastle United wanted Christopher Nkunku
As with any club after a huge takeover, it takes time for the big names to be attracted by the project.
Look at Manchester City; it took them a few windows to really get cooking in the transfer market and then become an elite club.
That’s the path Newcastle are on and going for stars around Europe will ultimately have mixed results.
For instance, The Telegraph claim that Newcastle want to sign Leipzig star Nkunku.
Yet the belief is that Nkunku is beyond Newcastle’s reach as he will have more attractive offers from established Champions League clubs.
Newcastle will still keep tabs on Nkunku but they seemingly don’t have great confidence of actually signing him.
Nkunku, 24, has ascended as a superstar this season having racked up a ridiculous 34 goals and 20 assists in 51 outings for Leipzig.
The Frenchman is an attacking phenomenon whether deployed as a number 10, second striker or centre forward having added so much to his game in Germany.
Now hailed as ‘special’ by Leipzig teammate Tyler Adams, Nkunku looks set to become a global superstar.
Leipzig will rake in cash should they choose to sell Nkunku one day, but Newcastle may struggle to sign him for a couple of years.
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