Newcastle United transfers: Three left wingers deals the Magpies could explore.
Newcastle had representatives over in the United States last week to finalise a deal for the Spain international after agreeing terms with the player, his agent and Osasuna.
The Magpies were aware of Liverpool’s interest but were told Munoz wanted to move to St James’ Park. Club chiefs were therefore left stunned when news broke that the 22-year-old was indeed off to Anfield.
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The Reds triggered Munoz’s £35million release clause, although that was described as “irrelevant” in Newcastle’s case as they had already agreed a fee at the slightly lower price. Ultimately, it came down to the player having a late change of heart.
It has forced Newcastle to look at alternative left wingers as they seek a replacement for Anthony Gordon following his £69million transfer to Barcelona. Here, The Gazette takes a look at three deals Eddie Howe’s side could explore:
Matias Fernandez-Pardo - Lille
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is on the radar of several clubs following a standout campaign for Ligue 1 side Lille last season.
Fernandez-Pardo began his development in Lille’s youth system before returning to Belgium and progressing through Gent’s academy, eventually re-joining Lille for a reported £10million in 2024.
The 21-year-old has made 71 appearances for the French club, with eight of his 12 goals in total coming last season to help earn him a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad. Reports in France suggest Lille are demanding up to £60million.
Abde Ezzalzouli - Real Betis
Abde Ezzalzouli has just enjoyed his best campaign to date, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions to help Real Betis qualify for the Champions League.
Before joining Betis three years ago, the 24-year-old made 14 appearances for Barcelona. It’s understood the winger has a £51million release clause, though the Catalan giants retain a 20% sell-on clause.
Indeed, many had been looking forward to seeing what Ezzalzouli could produce at the World Cup after being called up by Morocco; however, a knee injury picked up in the final warm-up game against Norway ruled him out of the tournament.
Kerim Alajbegovic - Bayer Leverkusen
Now to a less familiar name. The Gazette understands Newcastle have kept a close eye on Bosnia and Herzegovina international Kerim Alajbegovic.
The 18-year-old joined Austrian side RB Salzburg from Bayer Leverkusen last summer but officially returns to the Bundesliga club on July 1 after they activated their buy-back clause.
However, that’s not to say Leverkusen wouldn’t sell Alajbegovic this summer if the right offer were to arrive.
Alajbegovic scored nine goals in 28 league appearances last season and has featured in both of Bosnia’s World Cup games so far, coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Canada before starting the 4-1 defeat to Switzerland.
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