Newcastle United’s squad have immortalised themselves this season, defeating Liverpool at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup and end a 70-year domestic drought.
However, PIF won’t want that success to be a fleeting thing, a flash-in-the-pan. To reinforce this exciting position, Eddie Howe’s Magpies simply have to finish in the Premier League’s top five and secure a gateway back into the Champions League.
For sure, United have demonstrated in recent years their ability to overcome setbacks, to bounce back stronger, but there’s little question that the financial ramifications and bargaining power in keeping key players at St. James’ Park will weaken considerably if not seated at Europe’s elite table.
Should they cross the finish line in the desired position, Newcastle will not only be able to retain their top players, but sign some new superstars. There’s one such player already in the pipeline as the summer market beckons.
Newcastle chasing new forward
This feels like a deal only attainable if financial parameters are widened through Champions League qualification, but Newcastle are in the running for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha.
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That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who was being quizzed on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness show.
He revealed that Newcastle will look to strike a deal with Molineux for their star forward, who has a £62.5m release clause in his contract. The transfer insider has commented that Howe and co believe the 25-year-old would be “perfect” for the project.
However, the Toon have got their work cut out, with Manchester United are reportedly leading the race for his signature after a bunch of positive talks between the respective parties.
It’s worth noting that Newcastle’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell, led player recruitment at RB Leipzig when the German side signed a teenage Cunha back in 2018. Food for thought.
Why Newcastle should sign Matheus Cunha
Off the bat, Man United might feel that they are making headway in their efforts to sign Cunha, but if they fail to win the Europa League, Old Trafford’s 2024/25 campaign will be limited to solely the domestic front.
Newcastle, conversely, may well be returned to the Champions League theatre after a trophy-winning campaign. Should finances hold up, there’s no reason why Howe can’t tempt Cunha to move to Tyneside.
And what a signing it would be. The Brazil international has been hailed by BBC Sport’s Micah Richards for his blend of quality and intelligence on the field, the pundit saying: “His football IQ is absolutely sensational. He’s the one who can unlock the doors. He finds the little pockets of space and makes the right decisions at the right times.”
Cunha is positionally dynamic, something which suggests he could slot square into the running of things within Howe’s operation. However, given the make-up of Newcastle’s starting 11, he may well prove to be an upgrade on Harvey Barnes on the left flank.
Barnes, 27, has been in fine fettle of late, superseding Anthony Gordon following the latter’s red card against Brighton in the FA Cup. He’s racked up six goal involvements in his past five Premier League fixtures, with at least one during every fixture.
Matches (starts)
28 (25)
28 (12)
Goals
14
9
Assists
4
4
Shots (on target)*
3.2 (1.3)
1.7 (0.6)
Big chances missed
2
5
Pass completion
78%
82%
Big chances created
12
7
Dribbles*
2.0
0.7
Ball recoveries*
4.1
1.6
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
0.8
Duels won*
4.8
2.1
Barnes has a natural talent for goals, for assists. However, he lacks the completeness of his Brazilian counterpart, which is largely why he’s been unable to displace the more dynamic Gordon for much of his Newcastle career.
If the Magpies were to succeed in their effort for such a winger, one who can play across a range of positions, it may well be the perfect piece needed for a team moving back into Champions League competition next year – and this time, with a newfound title-winning quality about them.
Even if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League this summer, PSR will hang over St. James’ Park like an ominous shadow. It’s for this reason that the club are at least open to the prospect of selling a player like Barnes, as reported by Football Insider.
If this ameliorates financial concerns, carving space for the £90k-per-week Cunha in the process, it’s something of a no-brainer. Think of Barnes’ recent purple patch as a stock raiser ahead of an exciting chain of events.
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