He’s like Gordon: Newcastle line up move for “magical” ace who’s way better than Murphy
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United emerged as December’s most entertaining Premier League team, with the Magpies producing an exceptional goal-scoring run. Over the month, Newcastle netted an incredible 21 goals across all competitions, propelling them to fifth place in the league standings.
Despite this success, Howe is keen to address areas of concern, particularly the team’s depth on the right flank, during the transfer window.
Reports indicate Newcastle is considering a move for Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn, a player who has dazzled Scottish Premiership defenses with his dynamic performances.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Crystal Palace, have shown interest in Kuhn. Newcastle faces stiff competition to secure the 23-year-old German’s signature, especially with the potential departure of Miguel Almiron looming this month.
Kuhn, described as a “magic” player by his current manager Brendan Rodgers, has been in sensational form for Celtic this season. His stats illustrate why he has outgrown the Scottish league and attracted attention from England.
In 25 appearances across all competitions, Kuhn has recorded 14 goals and 11 assists, including a standout performance in the Champions League where he scored a memorable goal. These contributions underline his ability to make an immediate impact at Newcastle, potentially challenging Jacob Murphy for a starting role.
What Kuhn Brings to Newcastle
Kuhn’s playing style and output suggest he would be a perfect fit for Newcastle’s high-intensity, attack-focused strategy. The table below compares Kuhn’s performance metrics over the past year with Newcastle’s current right-wing options, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron.
| Stat (Per 90 mins) | Kuhn | Murphy | Almiron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shot-Creating Actions | 2.93 | 3.77 | 2.08 |
| Progressive Passes | 3.71 | 3.68 | 2.43 |
| Progressive Carries | 3.12 | 2.65 | 2.43 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 2.73 | 0.76 | 0.93 |
| Touches in Attacking Penalty Area | 5.66 | 3.68 | 4.17 |
| Progressive Passes Received | 9.57 | 8.25 | 5.56 |
Key Insights
Kuhn excels in progressive carries and successful take-ons, areas where he significantly outperforms both Murphy and Almiron. These abilities align well with Newcastle’s recent gung-ho style of play, which emphasizes attacking creativity and penetration.
His contributions in the final third are equally impressive; his combined 25 goals and assists this season dwarf Murphy’s nine contributions in all competitions.
Kuhn’s similarity to Anthony Gordon, as highlighted by FBref’s player comparison tool, further suggests he would adapt seamlessly to Eddie Howe’s tactical setup. The addition of Kuhn could elevate Newcastle’s attacking threat, making them even harder for Premier League defenses to contain.
Strategic Significance of the Transfer
While Howe has built a solid foundation with his current squad, acquiring Kuhn in January could address the team’s depth issues and prepare them for an ambitious push toward Champions League qualification in 2025.
The Magpies have consistently demonstrated their ability to develop talent and integrate new signings effectively, and Kuhn’s profile makes him an ideal candidate for this approach.
Newcastle’s transfer strategy also reflects their intent to offload underperforming players like Almiron, creating both financial flexibility and room in the squad for new arrivals. Although January transfers often come with inflated prices, Kuhn’s potential impact justifies the investment, particularly if Newcastle aims to consolidate their position among the Premier League’s elite.
As the transfer window unfolds, Howe’s measured approach to squad building could position Newcastle for long-term success. With players like Kuhn on their radar, the Magpies are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for sustained competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
Whether or not Kuhn makes the move to Tyneside this winter, his pursuit signals Newcastle’s ambition to continue their upward trajectory and challenge the traditional powers of English football.
