Report: Newcastle wanted Willian Jose in the summer, deal couldn’t be done

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Newcastle United reportedly wanted Willian Jose over the summer.

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United were interested in signing Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose over the summer – but no deal could be struck.

The Magpies remain without a win this season in any competition, and the mood at St James’ Park is very, very low after a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

One of the key problems for Newcastle is a lack of goals, as they have scored just six goals, with only two teams – Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace – scoring fewer from nine games this term.

Salomon Rondon is without a goal since his summer move from West Bromwich Albion, whilst Joselu and Yoshinori Muto have combined for just three goals this season.

Now, The Chronicle report that Newcastle had an interest in another striker over the summer, with Benitez interested in landing Real Sociedad hitman Willian Jose.

However, no deal could be done, and Newcastle ended up pursuing Rondon, taking the Venezuelan on loan for the season in exchange for Dwight Gayle.

Willian Jose, 26, was formerly of Real Madrid, but has really made a name for himself at Real Sociedad, hitting 20 goals in all competitions, as well as three goals in six games this season.

The Brazilian is big, strong, powerful and clinical, and would have broken Newcastle’s transfer record had they managed to sign him – but with Benitez’s budget tight, it’s no surprise that the Magpies couldn’t sign him, and he may be out of reach in 2019 too, with Real Soceidad unlikely to be keen on selling him.