Newcastle put wheels in motion for impressive Barcelona raid new owners ‘like a lot’

Newcastle United are reportedly keen on bringing Clement Lenglet in from Barcelona, and have enquired about a potential signing already.

The takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund has left many wondering what Newcastle will do with their vast riches. Though the latest report suggests they do not plan on breaking the bank initially.

The first player Newcastle have made tracks in signing is Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet.

The Magpies are said to have made a direct approach in order to get the wheels in motion for a January deal, per Sport (via Sport Witness).

Lenglet is apparently a name that Newcastle ‘like a lot’, and have thus enquired about.

The defender’s career at Barcelona has had its peaks and troughs. He has battled with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti for a place for much of his three years at Camp Nou.

He is currently out of favour since the arrival of Ronald Koeman as manager. Furthermore, the signing of Eric Garcia has pushed further Lenglet down the pecking order.

The centre-back has played just 95 minutes in a disappointing season for Barca so far. His role on the fringes of the side could mean they are willing to let him go.

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He would certainly be a welcome addition to Newcastle’s side, and would ‘raise the level of the defence’. 14 caps for France highlight Lenglet’s ability, despite a lack of playing time for Barcelona of late.

A deal would surely not cost too much given Barcelona’s current financial situation. A fresh start in a new country could certainly be a consideration for Lenglet, and given Newcastle’s situation he could become a vital player at the beginning of a new generation on Tyneside.

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Newcastle interest beyond Lenglet

While Lenglet is the only player Newcastle have made a direct enquiry about, they have also been doing some window shopping for further signings.

One man that has caught their eye is Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli. The Magpies are apparently willing to match Napoli’s asking price.

£42.5million would have been nowhere near within Newcastle’s budget for a centre-back before last week. However, the new Saudi owners are willing to pay that if needs be for a player of Koulibaly’s quality.

Should Newcastle sign Lenglet and Koulibaly, their squad would improve immeasurably, and they would have one of the most imposing defences in world football..

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