‘Fee agreed’: Newcastle United in £15M transfer race as Barcelona massively impressed

Newcastle United have joined a list of Premier League clubs showing interest in Stefanos Tzimas, an 18-year-old forward whose performances have sparked intrigue across Europe.

Currently on loan at German second-tier club FC Nurnberg from PAOK Thessaloniki, Tzimas has become a standout player, recording eight goals and two assists in 14 league appearances. This level of production marks a significant leap from his previous outings in Greece, establishing him as one of the division’s most prolific young talents.

FC Nurnberg holds an option to secure Tzimas permanently this summer, with a reported €18 million (£14.8 million) buy-out clause in place. However, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg indicates that the German club may trigger the clause only to sell him for a profit. Newcastle United, alongside other Premier League sides, is closely monitoring this development.

Brighton & Hove Albion, initially rumored to pursue a January transfer, are now believed to be observing the player for a potential summer move. Chelsea and Aston Villa also emerge as competitors for Tzimas, positioning the race for his signature as one to watch.

For Newcastle, the search for a new striker aligns with their long-term squad planning. With Callum Wilson entering the final six months of his contract, the Magpies face a decision on whether to extend his deal or look for alternatives.

While Wilson’s experience remains valuable, recurring injury issues have cast doubt on his reliability. This situation creates an opportunity for Newcastle to explore young prospects like Tzimas, who could provide both depth and competition for the first-choice striker position currently held by Alexander Isak.

Speaking of Isak, his recent form has only heightened Newcastle’s ambitions while attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs. The Swedish forward, who recently helped secure a 2-0 victory against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent goal-scorers.

With 15 goals this season, including 10 in his last nine matches across all competitions, Isak is solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic strikers.

This stellar form has not gone unnoticed. Arsenal, long linked with Isak, remains an interested party, but reports suggest Barcelona has now entered the fray.

The Spanish giants are actively seeking a successor to Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August. While Barcelona president Joan Laporta might dream of signing Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker is reportedly set to extend his stay at Manchester City.

As a result, Barcelona’s recruitment team has expanded their search, and Isak is high on their list of potential targets. Representatives from the Catalan club have reportedly attended multiple Newcastle matches to evaluate the Swedish international.

Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed admiration for Isak, further intensifying speculation about his future. Despite this interest, Newcastle remains optimistic about retaining their star striker.

The club values Isak not only for his on-field contributions but also for his potential to elevate Newcastle’s stature as they aim for consistent Champions League participation. It’s believed that only an extraordinary financial offer would tempt Newcastle to consider a sale.

The summer transfer window promises to be pivotal for Newcastle United. With a potential move for Tzimas on the horizon and Isak’s continued excellence attracting suitors, the Magpies must balance their ambition with strategic planning.

While securing Tzimas could provide a long-term solution in attack, fending off interest in Isak will be crucial to maintaining their competitive edge. In a league where financial muscle and astute recruitment are essential, Newcastle seems poised to make significant moves that could define their trajectory for years to come.