Newcastle United are in the market to strengthen at least four key positions this summer, with a versatile forward wanted alongside a goalkeeper, centre-back and right winger.
Up until last weekend, the club were hoping Joao Pedro arrived as that ‘versatile forward’, only for Chelsea to swoop in to land the Brazilian in a £50m-plus deal from Brighton.
We must move on, although there is one familiar name and potential bargain that is heading elsewhere, with Juventus swooping in to sign a striker Newcastle’s recruitment team have watched closely for a few years now.
That man is Jonathan David, who is currently a free agent but all set to join the Serie A giants after letting his contract with Lille run down.
In a ‘here we go’ post on X this morning, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Juventus have won the race to sign David on a free transfer after striking a deal overnight with the 25-year-old.
Romano reports that a long-term deal has been agreed, with the Canadian now on his way to Italy to complete a medical and all the formalities.
It is worth noting that this will not be cheap, despite the ‘free transfer’ tag, as it’s been well documented that David is demanding big wages, with his camp also likely to bank a sizeable signing on fee.
However, given our need for a versatile forward, Steve Nickson’s long-term admiration, his age and the fact this overall package would’ve been considerably less than the £50m put forward for Joao Pedro last week, David could’ve been a very shrewd addition.
According to The Chronicle, Paul Mitchell held talks with the player’s representatives back in March over a potential move to St James’ Park this summer, with Newcastle eyeing up a summer move following his 25-goal season in France.
Perhaps we tried and found his wage demands to be too high. Perhaps he wasn’t keen on the move or was only going to join a club where he would be the first choice striker? Who knows, but he’s another name to strike off the list as he joins Lloyd Kelly in Turin.
🚨⚪️⚫️ BREAKING: Jonathan David to Juventus, here we go! Verbal agreement reached overnight on every detail with Canadian striker.
Long term deal agreed and Jonathan David’s set to travel for medical tests, formal steps to follow.
Contracts to be checked and signed soon. pic.twitter.com/5ACbuXI6GN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2025