Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a staggering offer for Eduardo Camavinga, with Real Madrid now making their stance on selling the Frenchman clear.
The Magpies could certainly subscribe to the statement that signing such a player would make. Eddie Howe’s side have been incredibly inconsistent so far this season, especially going forward, and they paid the price for that against struggling West Ham United on Friday.
After the 3-1 loss, Howe told reporters: “We lacked dynamism. We lacked physicality and energy. We could have scored early and grabbed the game, but we just couldn’t do it and just ran away.
“It didn’t look like the Newcastle teams we’ve seen in the last few seasons. The body language, the cohesive spirit on the pitch, a lot of little things weren’t there. It was a byproduct of us not being where we needed to be mentally.”
St James’ Park players are currently facing the effects of a chaotic summer that saw them lose one of the world’s best strikers, Alexander Isak. Although his replacement, Nick Waltemaide, has made an excellent start, it is clear that Newcastle’s entire attack is still struggling to find its footing.
The eventual return of summer signing Yoan Wissa may still help things, but Newcastle currently sit in 13th place in the Premier League, six points adrift of the top four.
The January transfer window could also provide the Magpies with a much-needed solution. Elliott Anderson and Hayden Hackney are already threatening to steal the headlines in this area, with Anderson in particular a player to keep an eye on.
Whether it’s Nottingham Forest star Hackney or perhaps Camavinga, it seems clear the Tyneside side are looking to overhaul their midfield with the future in mind.
Newcastle offer more than £60m for Camavinga
Anderson and Hackney are not the only players on St James’ Park’s target list. According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are currently preparing an offer worth 70 million euros (approximately 6.2 billion yen) for Camavinga.
Camavinga has started just two of Real Madrid’s 11 La Liga games this season, but the Spanish giants reportedly maintain their position that they will not sell the France international unless they welcome a suitable replacement.
Xabi Alonso’s recent praise reflects that position and presents a frustrating hurdle for Newcastle to overcome if they hope to sign the midfielder.
“I have watched him closely and I think he has great potential and great qualities. Alongside our team project, his individual project and development will be important. He is a very dynamic player and has a lot to offer.”
The dynamism Alonso mentioned will be essential for Newcastle. It would take Howe’s midfield from stout to controlled, and the change could only help bridge the gap with the Premier League’s top sides.
PIF have money to spend and Camavinga will undoubtedly start on Tyneside. However, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid are willing to change their stance on the sale.
