The Newcastle United fans will be a bit happier now as the club have reportedly agreed a move for Mainz forward Yoshinori Muto. As reported by Kyodo News (Via the Kicker), Muto could be on his way to Tyneside in the coming days.
The reported fee could be an initial fee of 9 million pounds, as reported by the Mail. Muto had made one appearance for Japan in the World Cup and was pretty good during the game against Poland.
The Japan international’s contract ends next summer but considering there is interest in him, Mainz are likely to get rid of him to avoid risk losing him for free around this time next year or for a nominal fee during the winter transfer window.
Muto – Fact file
The talented attacker joined Mainz in the summer of 2015 and had an immediate impact in the Bundesliga. In 20 appearances that season, Muto mustered seven goals and four assists. The season after that, his numbers dropped a bit owing to injuries.
Last season, however, Muto managed his best output in a Mainz shirt, having mustered eight goals and four assists in 27 games.
Muto was predominately used as a centre-forward but has shown the ability to adapt and play as a left winger.
What will Muto add to Newcastle?
The Magpies obviously need someone who can deliver goals up top. Muto’s output might not have been the highest last season, but lest we forget, he played for a struggling team with little or no creativity.
Newcastle will have the presence of two good wingers. Muto would be a good option on the break as his hold up play isn’t the best. He is at his best running at defenders as he can use his pace and dribbling ability.
A number 10 would help the Japanese during his first Premier League season. Of course, he will find it hard adapting to the more physical nature of the Premier League.
The Bundesliga has become more defensive in recent years, so the more open nature of the Premier League might help him initially.
For a fee of 9 million pounds, Muto wouldn’t be a bad signing at all. He is 26 and has good experience of playing in Europe, so the fans should be positive about his impending arrival.