Newcastle are the latest Premier League side to circle around Flaco López. The Palmeiras striker is heading into what could be his final match before the World Cup amid growing uncertainty over his future.
The Argentine is expected to start against Junior Barranquilla in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday night. While Palmeiras are focused on securing qualification for the knockout stages, attention around López increasingly revolves around the transfer market.
That is hardly surprising given his form. The 25-year-old has registered nine goals and six assists in 21 matches so far in 2026. Consequently, he is one of the most in-form forwards in South America.
As a result, clubs across Europe continue to monitor the situation closely. And Newcastle are now among them.
Palmeiras braced for post-World Cup interest
The Magpies are the newest English club to be linked after Tottenham, West Ham, Fulham, Everton and Brentford were all mentioned in recent reports. Atlético de Madrid are also said to be attentive.
According to Globo Esporte, Newcastle is a club that ‘have shown and continue to show interest’.
Palmeiras internally accept that López is one of the players most likely to attract serious offers during the next transfer window.
The Brazilian side previously shut the door to negotiations when interest arrived earlier this year. However, the landscape has changed. López is now more established. His valuation has climbed sharply and the World Cup could push it even higher.
Interestingly, the report claims Palmeiras have not even established a minimum asking price internally because resistance to a sale remains so strong.
That represents a slight shift from earlier reports suggesting the club expected bids in the €40m-45m (£34.2m-38.5m) range after the tournament.
The latest information instead paints a picture of a club reluctant to lose one of their key attacking players unless a huge proposal arrives.
López joined Palmeiras in 2022 for €6.2m (£5.3m). He has since seen his valuation effectively triple.
Why Newcastle would make sense
Eddie Howe’s side are still expected to strengthen in attack this summer. López would offer Newcastle a different profile in the centre-forward position and greater depth across a long Premier League season.
As we previously detailed, at 1.90m, Flaco López initially catches attention because of his size and aerial strength, but his game is far more complete than that.
The Palmeiras striker has developed physically over the past year and now plays with much more aggression against centre-backs. He holds the ball up effectively and competes well in duels.
What separates him from many traditional No.9s is his creative background. Earlier in his career, López often played as a playmaker or second striker, and those traits remain visible today.
He drops deeper to link play, combines well with teammates and can create chances as well as finish them.
Last Palmeiras game before exit?
Thursday’s Libertadores fixture may therefore carry extra significance. While several Palmeiras players are preparing to join their national teams, López’s situation stands apart because of the transfer noise surrounding him.
Globo Esporte even frame the match as potentially one of his final appearances before a decisive summer window unfolds. If Newcastle do intensify their interest, they are unlikely to be alone for long.