Newcastle United reportedly wanted striker Willian Jose last summer.
Newcastle United will be in the market for new signings this summer, with Rafael Benitez no doubt keen to build on a 10th place finish in the Premier League this season.
The Spaniard worked wonders with his side to finish in the top half of the table, and now owner Mike Ashley needs to provide Benitez with funds for new signings – especially in attack.
Dwight Gayle could leave this summer, Joselu hasn’t been prolific enough and loanee Islam Slimani will return to Leicester City after an uneventful stay at St. James’ Park, leaving room for at least one striker to arrive.
Almost 13 years on from signing Michael Owen from Real Madrid, Newcastle have yet to break their transfer record again, and they may need to do it this summer in order to land a striker.
The Chronicle report that Benitez wanted to land Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose last summer, and the Brazilian would be the perfect addition to show that Newcastle have real ambition.
Willian Jose, 26, hit 20 goals in 39 games for Sociedad this season, building on a 14-goal campaign last season whilst even earning a first call-up to the Brazil squad in March, though he is waiting for his first cap.
Big, strong and powerful, Willian Jose is the type of striker Newcastle thought they were getting in Slimani, possessing real aerial ability and the physicality to lead the line for Benitez.
A deal for Willian Jose may cost in the region of £30million, but his record in Spain suggests that he would be worth the money for Newcastle – and handing Benitez a target who is also wanted by Barcelona (Mundo Deportivo) would be a real statement of intent.
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