Newcastle make enquire about deal for French forward as striker search intensifies
The Magpies’ summer recruitment strategy has taken an intriguing continental turn as reports emerge of Newcastle United enquiring about Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.
While Eddie Howe’s transfer focus has predominantly centered on Premier League-proven talents like Joao Pedro and Anthony Elanga, this unexpected link to the French international suggests the club’s net may be widening to include high-caliber European options.
Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale’s revelation that Newcastle have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in probing Kolo Muani’s availability adds a fascinating dimension to the striker market.
The 26-year-old’s current loan stint at Juventus – where he’s notched eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances – has reignited his career after a difficult spell in Paris, making his next move one of the summer’s more compelling subplots.
PSG’s willingness to entertain offers creates an opportunity Newcastle would have struggled to imagine twelve months ago.
Kolo Muani’s £75 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 made him one of Europe’s most expensive forwards, but his failure to displace Kylian Mbappé in Luis Enrique’s plans has rendered him expendable.
Juventus remain keen to make his Turin stay permanent, yet the emergence of Premier League interest could complicate their negotiations.
For Newcastle, the appeal is clear. Kolo Muani offers Champions League experience, versatility across the frontline, and proven goalscoring pedigree in Germany, France, and now Italy.
His physical profile (6’2″ frame combined with deceptive acceleration) would provide Eddie Howe with a different tactical option to Alexander Isak, allowing for fluid partnerships or rotation during congested fixture periods.
However, significant hurdles remain. PSG will undoubtedly seek to recoup a substantial portion of their initial investment, potentially pricing Newcastle out of contention unless creative payment structures can be agreed.
The competition from wealthier rivals Chelsea and Manchester United further complicates matters, though neither can offer Champions League football next season – a factor Newcastle’s recruitment team will surely emphasize.
The Frenchman’s wages present another obstacle. Estimated at around £200,000 per week at PSG, any deal would require Kolo Muani to accept reduced terms to fit Newcastle’s salary structure.
His potential willingness to do so may hinge on guaranteed playing time assurances – tricky given Isak’s undisputed status as first-choice striker.
This enquiry also raises broader questions about Newcastle’s transfer strategy. Is Kolo Muani a genuine target, or merely due diligence as they explore all options?
The club’s name has been used before to flush out other suitors, as seen in the Joan Garcia saga with Barcelona.
Alternatively, it could signal a shift in approach – testing the waters for elite continental talent before committing fully to Premier League-based alternatives.
Financially, the deal appears challenging but not impossible. Newcastle’s careful PSR management has given them flexibility, while potential player sales could further boost their spending power.
Kolo Muani’s age and resale value make him a more sustainable investment than older stopgap options, aligning with the club’s long-term vision.
Tactically, his skill set offers intriguing possibilities. Capable of leading the line or drifting wide to create space for Isak, Kolo Muani’s movement and link-up play could help unlock stubborn defenses in both Premier League and European competition.
His pressing intensity (averaging 1.5 tackles per game in Serie A) would satisfy Howe’s demands for forward defensive contributions.
As the summer window progresses, this link may develop into something more substantial or fade as Newcastle prioritize other targets. Either way, the mere fact Newcastle are engaging with players of Kolo Muani’s caliber demonstrates their growing pull in the European market.
Whether this particular pursuit bears fruit remains uncertain, but it underscores the club’s ambition to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts – with or without the safety net of Premier League experience.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this enquiry evolves into concrete negotiations or serves as strategic positioning in a complex transfer market.
For now, Newcastle’s interest in Kolo Muani adds another fascinating layer to what promises to be a transformative summer at St James’ Park.