After missing out on Mbeumo, Newcastle now want to sign ‘one of the best wingers in Europe’ in £29m move – journalist

ByNufc Now Transfer

The summer transfer window has delivered its first blow to Newcastle’s ambitions as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo opts for Manchester United over Tyneside. The Cameroonian winger’s decision leaves Eddie Howe scrambling to recalibrate his attacking reinforcements, with Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman emerging as a potential alternative.

While the Magpies’ hierarchy showed genuine interest in Mbeumo after his 20-goal Premier League campaign, they’ve wisely refused to engage in a bidding war that would exceed £60 million for the 24-year-old.

German transfer expert Christian Falk reveals Newcastle have set their sights on Coman, with the Bundesliga giants willing to part ways with the French international for a reasonable £29 million as he enters the final two years of his contract.

At 28, Coman brings Champions League pedigree and international experience that Mbeumo lacks, having won league titles in France, Italy, and Germany while collecting 55 caps for Les Bleus.

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However, his modest return of seven goals and four assists last season raises legitimate questions about whether he can provide the immediate attacking thrust Newcastle require.

Financial and Fitness Concerns Loom Large

Coman’s potential acquisition comes with significant caveats that Newcastle’s recruitment team must carefully consider. His £247,000 weekly wage would shatter the club’s existing salary structure, eclipsing Bruno Guimarães’ £160,000 deal and potentially unsettling the dressing room’s carefully maintained equilibrium.

More alarmingly, the winger’s injury history paints a concerning picture of reliability – over the past nine seasons, he’s missed 154 games through various ailments, averaging nearly 17 absences per campaign.

A deeper examination of Coman’s fitness record reveals worrying patterns:

  • Chronic Muscle Issues: Recurrent hamstring and knee problems have plagued his career
  • Declining Availability: Missed 21 games last season alone with five separate injuries
  • Major Layoffs: Three separate campaigns with 20+ games missed since 2016
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While Julian Nagelsmann once hailed him as “one of Europe’s elite wingers,” Coman’s recent output fails to justify such lofty praise or the financial commitment Newcastle would need to make.

His 0.27 goal contributions per 90 minutes last season pales in comparison to Mbeumo’s 0.63 in Premier League action, raising doubts about whether he represents an upgrade on Newcastle’s existing options.

Strategic Alternatives Emerge

With Barcelona also circling but prioritizing other targets, Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads. The Coman pursuit highlights the challenges of shopping in Europe’s elite markets while adhering to financial fair play constraints. Several factors suggest the Magpies might be better served exploring other options:

  1. Age Profile: At 28, Coman offers limited resale value compared to younger alternatives
  2. Adaptation Risk: No Premier League experience despite his technical qualities
  3. System Fit: Questions remain about his suitability for Howe’s high-pressing system
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Newcastle’s recruitment team has earned plaudits for their data-driven approach in recent windows, and this setback may prompt them to revisit their analytics rather than rushing into a high-wage gamble.

The club’s improved standing in European football should allow them to attract comparable talent without inheriting another club’s injury-prone asset.

As the transfer window unfolds, Newcastle’s response to this early rejection will reveal much about their long-term strategy.

While Coman’s pedigree is undeniable, the smarter play might involve identifying the next Mbeumo rather than overpaying for a fading star. With Champions League football returning to St. James’ Park, Howe needs reliable contributors – not expensive reclamation projects.

The coming weeks will show whether Newcastle’s transfer team can turn this disappointment into an opportunity to unearth hidden gems better suited to their evolving project.