Will Newcastle United be active in the transfer market this summer?
The Magpies secured qualification for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season, benefiting from Manchester United`s victory over Aston Villa, despite Eddie Howe`s team suffering a surprising defeat at home to Everton.
As the Tyneside club prepares for its second Champions League campaign in three seasons, significant spending is anticipated this summer, with acquiring a new winger being a high priority.
Newcastle United Seeks New Wide Attacker
The club is looking to strengthen their squad with players proven in the Premier League. Recent reports suggest they have inquired about Brighton`s Joao Pedro.
Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, known for being one of the league`s fastest players this season, is also reportedly on their radar. However, Newcastle might be able to make an even better signing than either of these options.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Newcastle is `keen` on signing Justin Kluivert this summer. Bournemouth reportedly values the player at around £50 million. Manchester United is also mentioned as a `long-time admirer`.
The 26-year-old had his most prolific senior season to date, scoring 13 goals across all competitions for the Cherries. A memorable highlight was his hat-trick at St James` Park in January.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Kluivert`s performance that day as `amazing`. Kluivert`s strong form also led to his return to the Dutch national team, earning his first cap in over six years when he started against Bosnia last November.
Could Justin Kluivert potentially follow in the footsteps of his father, Patrick, by moving to Tyneside?
Justin Kluivert vs Bryan Mbeumo Comparison
As noted by Lee Ryder of the Chronicle in January, Newcastle`s ideal wide attacking target this summer was Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford. However, David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the Cameroonian `has decided he wants to join Manchester United`, with Brentford seeking a £60 million valuation.
Following Thomas Frank`s move to become the new Tottenham manager, Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport now suggests that Spurs are also `interested` in signing Mbeumo. Either way, it appears unlikely that Newcastle will secure their primary target.
So, would Kluivert be a suitable alternative for Newcastle?
Both wingers certainly made an impact in the Premier League this season. Let`s compare their statistics.
| Kluivert vs Mbeumo 24/25 PL comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Kluivert | Mbeumo |
| Appearances | 34 | 38 |
| Minutes | 2,356 | 3,417 |
| Goals | 12 | 20 |
| Assists | 6 | 8 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.19 | 2.08 |
| Shots on target % | 40.4% | 43% |
| Shot-creating actions per 90 | 3.88 | 3.80 |
| Big chances missed | 6 | 9 |
| Take-on success % | 41.4% | 46.8% |
| Touches per 90 | 42 | 47 |
| Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore | ||
As the table indicates, Mbeumo recorded more goals and assists this season. However, the Cameroonian player finished first in the Premier League`s goals minus expected goals (xG) metric this season, which might suggest that his goal-scoring output is not sustainable in the long term.
In contrast, Kluivert registered more shots and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. His other statistics are quite similar to Mbeumo`s, including shots on target percentage and touches per 90, while he missed fewer Opta-defined big chances.
He was also praised for his `unplayable` performances for Bournemouth this season, having elevated his game to a new level.
Therefore, while Mbeumo might be Newcastle`s primary target, Kluivert appears to be a very promising alternative.
As Howe aims to strengthen his squad to compete effectively in both the Premier League and the Champions League next season, Kluivert would undoubtedly enhance their attacking options.
