Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move for Watford’s rising star Othmane Maamma after sending scouts to observe the 20-year-old in action, signaling a potential major investment in their attacking line for the 2026 season.
Despite spending a staggering £250 million on new players over the summer, the Magpies have struggled to meet expectations this term, languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
The club’s recruitment team is therefore actively exploring opportunities to reinforce the squad, focusing on emerging talent capable of making an immediate impact while also offering long-term potential.
Maamma has emerged as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe following a remarkable showing for Morocco at the recent Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
His performances were so commanding that he was awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball as the best player, drawing the attention of several Premier League clubs, Newcastle included.
The scouts were particularly impressed by his technical skill, agility, and intelligence in the final third, which allows him to operate effectively across both wings. The versatility Maamma offers aligns perfectly with Eddie Howe’s tactical system, which relies on fluid, interchangeable forwards capable of creating space and contributing in multiple attacking roles.
Since returning to Watford, Maamma has quickly become a key figure in Javi Gracia’s squad, helping the Championship side push for promotion back to the Premier League. While Watford are understandably reluctant to part with such a talent, financial incentives could prove irresistible.
The forward was signed for less than £1 million last summer, meaning any realistic offer from Newcastle would represent a huge profit for the Hornets. The Magpies’ interest is also a reflection of their need to inject energy, creativity, and goal-scoring threat into a forward line that has underperformed significantly this season.
Newcastle’s current attacking output highlights the urgency of this pursuit. Nick Woltemade leads the squad with nine goals, followed closely by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, each with seven.
However, a significant portion of Gordon’s tally has come from penalties, while Elanga, the £55 million summer signing from Nottingham Forest, has yet to score. Yoane Wissa has only recently recovered from injury after arriving from Brentford, and several other forwards have struggled for consistency, leaving Howe’s side overly reliant on sporadic bursts of form.
The introduction of a talent like Maamma could provide not only additional firepower but also the creative spark Newcastle have been missing in key games.
While Maamma is primarily viewed as a long-term prospect rather than a plug-and-play solution, his maturity on the ball and ability to perform under pressure indicate he is more than ready to contribute immediately if given the opportunity.
Newcastle may see him as a player who can develop within the Premier League environment, gradually adapting to the demands of top-flight football while simultaneously influencing matches with his pace, dribbling, and finishing.
In this sense, Maamma represents both a strategic investment for the future and a potentially transformative addition to a struggling squad.
The potential transfer also fits within Newcastle’s broader strategy of combining established Premier League performers with high-potential youngsters who can grow with the club.
Howe has consistently favored versatile players who can operate in multiple positions across the front line, and Maamma’s adaptability makes him a natural fit. Financially, the move would be sensible as well, offering Watford a major profit and Newcastle a highly promising forward without overcommitting in terms of transfer fees or wages.
| Player | Age | Club | Position | Recent Achievement | Role at Newcastle | Transfer Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Othmane Maamma | 20 | Watford | Forward/Winger | Golden Ball, U20 World Cup | Future star, versatile attacker | Signed <£1m in 2025, potential Premier League move 2026 |
| Nick Woltemade | 20 | Newcastle United | Forward | Top scorer (9 goals) | Current attacking leader | Summer 2025 signing |
| Harvey Barnes | 25 | Newcastle United | Winger | 7 goals this season | Key creative option | Established squad member |
| Anthony Gordon | 24 | Newcastle United | Winger | 7 goals (5 penalties) | Squad rotation and support | Regular squad contributor |
| Anthony Elanga | 21 | Newcastle United | Forward | 0 goals this season | Developmental option | £55m summer 2025 signing |
Newcastle’s pursuit of Othmane Maamma underscores the club’s ambition to strengthen both immediately and for the future. In a forward line that has struggled to consistently produce goals and creative play, Maamma’s arrival could provide a much-needed spark while also laying the foundation for long-term growth.
With Howe at the helm, a player of Maamma’s technical ability and versatility could flourish, giving the Magpies the attacking dynamism they desperately need to climb the Premier League table and compete at a higher level in the seasons to come.
