Newcastle tipped to swoop for Giovanni Simeone as Eddie Howe moves away from big names

Michael Holland 15 May 2022 4:05 AM

Newcastle are being linked with a swoop for strike star Giovanni Simeone, who has caught the eye playing for Hellas Verona in Serie A this season.

A new striker is high on the wanted list this season and a host of names have been linked. Simeone is the latest with reports in the Italian press claiming Newcastle are keen. Corriere di Verona have run a story suggesting Newcastle see him as a cheaper option.

The 26-year-old has been a revelation for Verona this season. After joining them on loan from Cagliari he has gone on to score 16 goals in Serie A. He has also chipped in with six assists.

It is an impressive record. He sits fourth on the list of Serie A’s top goal scorers this season. He has bagged more than Tammy Abraham at Roma. While Victor Osimhen has scored three less. The Napoli striker has been linked with Newcastle and a host of Premier League clubs.

However he would cost in the region of £90million. That is too much for Newcastle, even with the new owners on board. The Magpies will stay within Financial Fair Play and deals like that are a no-go for now.

It makes Simeone a far more attractive option and he would cost much less. Verona do have the option to sign him on a permanent basis for £9million. That is a snip considering his form this season and they are sure to take it up.

However the report in Corriere di Verona says Hellas could look to make a quick profit. If they do then the asking price will be £18million. That still represents great value in today’s market.

Simeone has been linked with the Premier League before. Both Leeds United and West Ham were mentioned in the January transfer window. There is no link this time though and the way could be clear for Newcastle to swoop.

There has been talk of Napoli making a move should they lose Osimhen. However Simeone would prefer to move away from Italy if he does leave. And England will appeal.

Newcastle may gamble on Simeone

The signing of Simeone would be a bit of a gamble. But it is easy to see why Newcastle are considering it. His goals this season and price tag make him an attractive proposition.

However doing it in the Premier League is another matter. It is a big step up and there is a question mark over any player swapping Italy for England. The Argentine has impressed this season but there is a possibility it could be a one-off.

He scored just six in 34 appearances last season. This campaign has been his most prolific. But he has a style that fits in with the Newcastle system and at £19million could be a gamble worth taking.

Newcastle United Giovanni Simeone