Newcastle United plot €70 million raid on La Liga club for 20 G/A playmaker

Newcastle United have set their sights on Athletic Bilbao’s rising star Oihan Sancet, preparing a substantial €70 million offer to test the Basque club’s resolve for their prized attacking midfielder.

The 23-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, directly contributing to 20 goals across all competitions while establishing himself as the creative heartbeat of Ernesto Valverde’s side.

This audacious move signals Newcastle’s determination to add genuine quality to their Champions League squad, despite facing significant obstacles in prying away one of La Liga’s most promising talents.

Sancet’s unique contractual situation makes this potential transfer particularly intriguing. With his current deal running until 2032 and an €80 million release clause embedded in the agreement, Athletic Club hold all the leverage in negotiations.

The Basque outfit considers the Pamplona-born playmaker fundamental to their project, potentially viewing this interest as an opportunity to further improve his terms rather than entertain a sale.

Newcastle’s approach comes after several Premier League rivals – including Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United – explored moves earlier in the window only to be deterred by Bilbao’s firm stance.

For Eddie Howe, Sancet represents the ideal solution to add creativity and goal threat from advanced midfield positions.

While traditionally deployed as an attacking midfielder, the Spaniard’s evolution into more of a goalscoring threat last season offers Newcastle tactical flexibility.

His ability to arrive late in the box and contribute in the final third would provide a different dimension to Howe’s system, potentially forming an exciting partnership with Bruno Guimarães in midfield.

The proposed move forms part of Newcastle’s broader recruitment strategy as they navigate the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga.

With Benjamin Šeško identified as the primary replacement should the Swedish striker depart, Sancet’s potential arrival would address a separate but equally pressing need for creative midfield reinforcements.

The Magpies have reportedly considered Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as an alternative should their pursuit of Sancet prove unsuccessful, demonstrating their commitment to adding young, technically gifted players capable of elevating the squad.

Financial considerations loom large over this potential deal. While Newcastle’s Saudi-backed ownership possesses significant resources, Financial Fair Play regulations require careful navigation.

The potential windfall from Isak’s sale – with Liverpool’s £110 million bid already rejected – could provide the necessary funds to finance moves for both Šeško and Sancet, transforming Newcastle’s attacking options in one fell swoop.

As negotiations potentially develop, Newcastle face the delicate task of convincing both club and player.

Athletic Bilbao’s famous policy of only fielding Basque players makes them notoriously reluctant sellers, while Sancet himself may need persuading to leave his boyhood club despite the allure of Premier League and Champions League football.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s ambitious approach can overcome these hurdles or if they’ll be forced to turn to alternative targets like Elliott in their quest to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.