It’s been well documented that Newcastle United are in the market for a right-winger and a new link has emerged this week as we approach the January transfer window.
Yesterday we saw The Telegraph reveal our interest in PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, suggesting that overseas options are being explored after £50-60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo were deemed too expensive.
This brings us to Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta star who is thought to be another wide man on our radar heading into 2025.
According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Lookman this season, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs also thoughts to be tracking the £25million-rated winger.
The Nigerian winger has been exceptional this season in Serie A, seeming much improved from his stint in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City in which he showed glimpses of potential.
Scoring a goal every 104 minutes for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this campaign however, his now proven ability has brought him back to the attention of England’s top flight – with Toon one of a quartet believed to be scouting the 27-year-old.
If the Atalanta man is the answer, however, it’s thought he is more likely to depart next summer. Approaching the final 12 months of his contract and valued at a reported £25million as a result, Lookman has become a key part of the setup for the Champions League highflyers and it is unlikely Giasperini will want to part with his asset mid-campaign.
It brings Harvey Barnes future in black-and-white into question, with the winger already being touted for a potential exit by Luke Edwards in a recent Telegraph report.
Lookman’s stock has undoubtedly risen after an exemplary tenure in Bergamo has rightly seen him gain plaudits. However, the majority of his football has come down the left and he turned 27 this year, meaning he’s hardly the young, up and coming talent with all of his best years ahead of him.
£25million offers good value for a first team quality starter, I just imagine any new arrival out wide will be a specialist right-winger; not someone who has played his best football centrally or down the left so far this season.
A good player undoubtedly, but perhaps doesn’t fit in with the criteria of winger Newcastle are in the market for – with Bakayoko seeming better suited to the PSR mould.