Newcastle United have been forced to focus on their midfield for much of the summer, but the arrival of Alaj Bamba has given them the chance to turn their attention to Antonio Nusa.
The RB Leipzig winger enjoyed an impressive World Cup with Norway and also had a solid season for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Now he could be in line for a big deal.
He will also not be the first Bundesliga winger to arrive at St James’ Park this summer, given that Bazmana Toure has already signed.
What people are saying about Antonio Nusa | |
|---|---|
Comparison of former Nusa coach Gaute Larsen and Erling Haaland | “When I look back at when we were both 14 or 15 years old, I think Antonio had the greater talent.” |
Former Club Brugge manager Rony Deila in 2024 | “He brings color to the team and is very talented, but he is only 18 and needs time. “Soon people will start comparing him to Haaland, but that shouldn’t happen.” |
Marcel Schäfer, Managing Director of Sport at Leipzig in 2024 | “Antonio fits perfectly into RB Leipzig’s DNA. He is young, has development potential, is very ambitious and willing to learn. This makes him undoubtedly one of the best players in Europe of his generation.” |
No one doubts Nusa’s talent and it was evident at the World Cup. Newcastle also appear to be in a strong position to achieve their goal and complete their own hijack. However, it remains to be seen whether it will stand the test of time.
Newcastle take pole position and sign Antonio Nusa
According to Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, relayed by Sport Witness, AS Roma have been wiped out as Newcastle take the lead in the race to sign Nusa.
The Italian club feared a takeover from St James’ Park and are now watching those fears become reality, with the Magpies becoming one of the frontrunners to sign the Norwegian international.
What doesn’t help Roma is the price Leipzig demands. No Serie A club is in a position to match the winger’s €60m (about £51m) price tag, and it would be a huge boost for Newcastle, who have no problem accommodating such a sum.
Nusa is a player still working on the final product after being involved in nine goals last season, but the fact that only one player in the Bundesliga was more successful dribbling last season suggests an increase in production is inevitable.
Newcastle move towards transfer of James Tavanier
Youthful exuberance isn’t the only thing Newcastle are targeting this summer. The Magpies have also reportedly begun a move to sign James Tavanier on a free contract.
With competition from MLS and Aston Villa, the Tyneside club have set their sights on the right-back, who is still a free agent after leaving Rangers at the end of last season.
Following the departure of Kieran Trippier, it would be a good idea to bring in another experienced defender at St James’ Park.
