If you’re a Newcastle fan, you must have gotten used to transfer rumours only and not the news of too many confirmed deals. Well, welcome to the Mike Ashley era!
Of late, the club have been linked with quite a few players, strikers more notable. Last season, the Magpies were terrible in front of goal because they didn’t have a quality forward who could guarantee them goals.
Yoshinori Muto is one player that Magpies are closing in on and once he gets a work permit, the deal will be done. However, he isn’t a prolific goal-scorer. Newcastle are letting Aleksandar Mitrovic leave and need a like for like player, someone who can offer something different to Muto.
Let’s analyse the strikers Newcastle have been linked with so far in the window:
#1 Salomon Rondon
This is the one that seems like it could happen. West Brom were relegated last season and stars like Rondon are likely to depart in the coming days.
Rondon has a release clause of £16.5m and considering the Magpies could get at least £22m for Mitrovic who is due to join Fulham, it’s a deal that seems very likely.
Pros
Pretty quick, strong in the air and he can hold up play well. He also has a considerable amount of Premier League experience and could be a good signing for the Magpies.
Cons
His goals tally. Granted, he played in a team without much service or quality, but just seven goals in 36 appearances isn’t confidence inspiring.
#2 Danny Ings
Ings has had an injury-ravaged spell at Liverpool and is looking to move away from the club to get more regular game time. His injuries shouldn’t concern the Newcastle fans though as they haven’t been slight niggles. Cruciate ligament tears are accidental and aren’t something that happen regularly.
Newcastle will have to pay £20million for the former Burnley star, though.
Pros
Good player on the ball, can dribble a bit and is very hard-working. Showed at Burnley that when fit, he can score goals despite being in a team that went down.
Cons
Been away from regular action for too long. Can he replicate his past performances? Also, isn’t he too similar a player to Muto?
#1 Danny Welbeck
This one is very iffy and is unlikely to happen. But, the Magpies have been linked with him as well. Welbeck’s days at Arsenal seem numbered with Lacazette, Perez and Aubameyang all at the club.
Pros
Quick and can do a job on the wings as well. His hold up play isn’t the worst.
Cons
Hasn’t had consistent game time in the last few seasons and is pretty injury prone. His goal record doesn’t really stand out either. The rumours of him moving to Tyneside have died down and Newcastle should stay clear, to be honest.