Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle lie in wait for prolific striker signing as agent begins first talks

Darwin Nunez and Gerard Pique run for a loose ball during Barcelona vs Benfica, November 2021

Newcastle are in the running for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, but will have to wait until next summer to sign him, a report has claimed.

Nunez is another young striker in the vein of Erling Haaland and Dusan Vlahovic who has caught the eye of top European clubs. Man City scouts have paid particular attention to the 22-year-old.

And of course United representatives were quick to follow with interest.

Now the Magpies are among the chasing pack, according to Record (via Sport Witness). They feature alongside Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

And Nunez’s agent is currently in Madrid, where he’s in talks with officials from Atletico. It seems they have a good relationship after the £113m transfer of Joao Felix.

The issue with the Uruguayan, however, is that his deal runs until 2025. A mega fee is therefore needed to prise him out of Portugal.

Benfica aren’t currently interested in selling. So unless the new Saudi-backed hierarchy on Tyneside want to pay his €150m release clause, there’s little hope of a January move.

However, should Premier League survival be reached come the end of the season, then negotiations could begin.

Right now, focus is on who they need to get in come the winter transfer window, so Nunez can be put on the back burner. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on for the future, though, as he’s shaping up to be a top striker.

Premier League trio chasing Olympiakos wonderkid Aguibou Camara

Premier League trio chasing Olympiakos wonderkid Aguibou Camara

Liverpool are reportedly battling Leicester and Newcastle for the signing of £20 million-rated Aguibou Camara, with more news on Thiago Alcantara and Kieran Trippier.

In nine league appearances so far this season, Nunez has scored five times. He’s already just one short of the tally he managed in the Portuguese league last time out.

And it is on the European stage where he is truly making a name for himself. Benfica were in the Europa League last season, a competition in which he bagged five in seven.

That form has continued in the Champions League this campaign. A brace against Barcelona and a goal against Bayern Munich epitomise the talent he holds.


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Newcastle DoF search rumbles on

Meanwhile, a sporting director target for Newcastle has distanced himself from the rumours linking him with a switch to St James’ Park.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Max Eberl had emerged as a potential candidate for the role. But he’s put pay to those links.

“It is not my intention [to join Newcastle] ,” he said (via Sport Witness).

“I want to work under conditions that are subject to a certain logic and development. And not according to the motto: What’s the cost of the world?

“I would show him [Newcastle’s owner] the necessary respect, listen to his plan and then wish him a nice day.”

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