Bournemouth striker Joshua King almost got his dream move to Manchester United in the January transfer window, a club he had joined when he was 16 but had to leave to get first-team football. The Norwegian striker has made a name for himself at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe, scoring 47 goals and providing 17 assists in 160 appearances for the club.
Joshua King could leave the club in the summer as his current deal with the club expires in 2021, and Howe runs the risk of losing him on a free transfer, just like how he is set to lose Ryan Fraser this summer. The Telegraph have reported that the Cherries could “face a battle to persuade” him to re-sign with the club after the deadline day drama.
If Bournemouth are to allow King to leave the club, which 3 Premier League clubs should target him in the summer?
Let’s take a look:
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have continued their great form from last year and are genuine contenders for a top 6 spot in the league table once again. Nuno Espírito Santo has done a fantastic job of taking the club to the knockout stages of the Europa League as well. They have done exceedingly well this year but will have to strengthen and add depth to their squad in the summer if they want to progress further.
One area of the pitch where they could do with one more player is up top, as genuine competition for the impressive Raúl Jiménez. The Wolves manager has ample options out wide, but not many who can play as the lone striker. King’s good dribbling ability, as well as his work-rate, will fit well in Wolves’ style of play and Nuno has shown flexibility as well before while playing with two men up front.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United have performed well above expectations this season under Steve Bruce. The Magpies are set to finish in mid-table, but their demanding fanbase will want better than that. Newcastle have lacked a potent goalscorer in their squad this season as summer signing Joelinton has struggled to find the back of the net. The likes of Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle have been injured and have not got too many opportunities and are not genuine long-term options.
Joshua King could be a good addition to the Newcastle United squad and he could go straight into the first team as the No. 1 striker for the Magpies. His Premier League experience will hold him in good stead at St. James’ Park but any potential move is likely to materialise only if the club undergoes a makeover of sorts with an overhaul in the event of a potential takeover in the coming months.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace, like Newcastle United, was one team that most pundits felt would be in a relegation battle, ahead of the 2019-20 season. But, Roy Hodgson has guided the Eagles well despite not signing many players, and will also finish in mid-table.
Palace have a strong defence, having conceded just 29 goals in 25 games, which is the same number of goals conceded by second-placed Manchester City. But, they have been profligate in front of goal, scoring just 22 goals in 25 games. The Eagles could be much higher up the table with a player like Joshua King, who can get at least 10-15 goals in a season. He would provide competition to the likes of Jordan Ayew and Cenk Tosun if Palace signs the latter on a permanent deal, next season.
And if Palace can retain Zaha and show ambition and make a move for someone like King, much better days will await the fans next season.