Newcastle transfer now possible as ‘gifted’ No.10 has a secret £18.6M clause

Newcastle United continue their search for impact signings during the January transfer window but remain cautious in their approach. Despite two weeks passing since the window opened, the club has yet to secure a first-team signing.

However, sporting director Paul Mitchell has been proactive in youth recruitment. A notable addition is Kyle Fitzgerald from Galway United, whose move will be announced once he turns 18. The young striker is set to join Newcastle’s under-21 team to further his development.

While the Magpies have made strides in youth acquisitions, they have missed out on key senior targets. Donyell Malen opted to join Aston Villa over Newcastle, while Crystal Palace is on the verge of signing Romain Esse, a player Newcastle scouts tracked closely.

The current sentiment on Tyneside suggests that first-team additions will only materialize if a significant injury occurs within Eddie Howe’s squad. Even with Miguel Almiron nearing an exit, there appears to be no urgency to reinforce the team.

This conservative approach could see Newcastle lose out on yet another potential target. Recent reports indicate that a long-scouted player, Rayan Cherki, may join a Premier League rival. Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly been offered the chance to sign the talented French winger in January.

Cherki, who has been on Newcastle’s radar for nearly two years, was previously considered a creative option for the midfield. Despite the interest, the club opted to sign Sandro Tonali in 2023, leaving the Cherki pursuit unresolved.

Cherki remains a viable target, especially with Lyon’s financial troubles pushing them to sell key assets. The French club, facing a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial breaches, is eager to offload players.

Cherki’s reported release clause of £18.6 million makes him an attainable option for Newcastle, particularly with the anticipated £10 million from Almiron’s sale. This season, Cherki has impressed with five goals and seven assists across all competitions, including a strong Europa League campaign with two goals in six matches.

However, Newcastle faces competition from Tottenham, who are also in need of a creative spark. Spurs view Cherki as a solution to their midfield woes and are actively considering a move.

Additionally, Tottenham has been offered Lille striker Jonathan David, another Newcastle target. David’s contract expires in the summer, making him a hot commodity among Premier League clubs.

The potential addition of Cherki would significantly bolster Newcastle’s attacking options, especially with Almiron’s departure imminent. Currently, Jacob Murphy stands as the sole right-wing option for Eddie Howe.

Cherki’s versatility allows him to play on the wing or in an attacking midfield role, making him a valuable asset for Newcastle. The team has already been weakened by Harvey Barnes’ injury, which sidelines him for a month. Another injury could leave the squad severely stretched on the wings.

Mitchell faces a critical decision as Newcastle balances caution with ambition. While the club appears hesitant to spend in January, some level of investment is essential to maintain their push for European football. The opportunity to strengthen now could prove pivotal as the Magpies aim to consolidate their position in the Premier League’s top four.

From a competitive standpoint, Newcastle holds an edge over Tottenham. The Magpies currently sit fourth in the league, while Spurs struggle in the bottom half, grappling with inconsistent performances. This positions Newcastle as a more attractive destination for players seeking both immediate success and long-term growth.

As the window progresses, Newcastle must weigh their options carefully. While their pragmatic approach has its merits, the importance of capitalizing on their strong position cannot be overstated.

Adding a player of Cherki’s caliber would not only address immediate squad needs but also reinforce the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the season. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Magpies are willing to make the moves necessary to solidify their standing and continue their impressive campaign.