Newcastle United plan to sign a right winger in 2025.
With the January transfer window looming, it is almost time to see who Paul Mitchell is going to try and bring to St James’ Park.
It has been reported that Newcastle’s January priority is to sign a winger, despite the Magpies also needing a centre-back.
The winger search is going to take precedence, with Bryan Mbeumo rumoured to be Newcastle’s dream signing.
However, Newcastle know Mbeumo will be expensive, while he is slightly older than Paul Mitchell would like at 25-years-old.
Newcastle United scouts attend Real Sociedad game
Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad in the tunnel ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and AFC...
Photo by Angel Martinez – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
With that in mind, Newcastle are understandably looking at alternatives.
And they may have had their eye on one last Thursday night, with Toon scouts in attendance for Real Sociedad’s 2-0 win over Ajax in the Europa League.
That is according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, who scored and got an assist last Thursday, is on Newcastle’s list of potential signings.
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“Newcastle were at Real Sociedad vs Ajax on Thursday night,” he said.
“He [Kubo] is one who is on their long-list. A very talented player who Paul Mitchell is well aware of on the European scene.
“When you’ve got a talented right winger, one of the best in La Liga, Newcastle are going to be doing their work on him. I’m not saying he’s top of the list by any stretch of the imagination, but he is one who Newcastle have watched. And they are well aware of the treasures you can plunder from Real Sociedad, having bought Alexander Isak from them in 2022.
“I imagine Kubo was part of the reason why Newcastle were there.”
Takefusa Kubo tipped to become a ‘superstar’
The Japanese winger stole the show in front of Newcastle scouts last week, as the club continues to ponder who they should bring in to improve Eddie Howe’s attack.
The Magpies need a difference-maker who can change the way that they attack, and Kubo has all the credentials to be just that.
He has got five goal contributions so far this season, while last year he got seven goals and four assists from 30 La Liga appearances.
Kubo was previously described as a future ‘superstar‘ by Maheta Molango when he joined RCD Mallorca on loan in 2019, and that is exactly what Newcastle want from their signings.
Paul Mitchell is keen to sign players who can grow and develop into even more valuable assets, while there is also a desire to tap into new markets.
Signing a player like Takefusa Kubo could be very lucrative for Newcastle
Newcastle could do that with Kubo, while the addition of a Japanese sensation would really increase the club’s visibility in Asia.
“With any Asian player, it adds on the lucrative distribution in that part of the world,” Bailey added.
“It adds to the selling point as well – it would be an added string to the bow of signing him.”
Newcastle have already made inroads in that part of the world by travelling to Tokyo during pre-season, but signing a player like Kubo would take them to the next level. However, that would merely be an added bonus, as Newcastle will only aim to sign Kubo if they think he is right for Eddie Howe’s side.
But Newcastle are well aware of his ability, as January 2025 looms.