Report: Newcastle eyeing move to sign ‘world-class’ forward alongside Mbeumo after extensive scouting mission

The corridors of power at St James’ Park are buzzing with activity as Newcastle United’s recruitment team casts its net across the Premier League in search of attacking reinforcements.

Mohammed Kudus, West Ham United’s mercurial Ghanaian winger, has emerged as a serious target after Magpies scouts closely monitored his performances throughout the season.

The 24-year-old joins an exclusive shortlist of Premier League-proven wingers that includes Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, as Eddie Howe looks to add firepower to his Champions League-bound squad.

Kudus presents an intriguing proposition for Newcastle’s hierarchy. Since his £38 million arrival from Ajax in 2023, the explosive attacker has shown flashes of the talent that earned him “world-class” plaudits during David Moyes’ tenure at the London Stadium.

His current contract contains a fascinating clause structure – while Saudi Pro League clubs would need to trigger a staggering £120 million release fee, Premier League suitors like Newcastle could potentially secure his services for £85 million.

This nuanced arrangement reflects West Ham’s awareness of both the player’s value and the growing financial power of Middle Eastern clubs.

The Hammers find themselves at a crossroads with their prized asset. After an impressive debut season where Kudus announced himself with crucial goals – including a memorable strike in December 2023’s 3-0 dismantling of Wolves – his form has dipped noticeably under Graham Potter’s stewardship.

With just two goals and two assists in 18 appearances this campaign, the winger has become emblematic of West Ham’s broader struggles. Potter’s recent public challenge to Kudus – “We can see the talent… but it’s our responsibility, and his, to try and get more” – hints at underlying frustrations that Newcastle could potentially exploit in negotiations.

Statistical Snapshot: Mohammed Kudus (Premier League 2024-25)

(Data courtesy of SofaScore – correct as of 30.05.2025)

Newcastle’s interest forms part of a strategic shift in their recruitment approach. Rather than raiding foreign leagues for unproven Premier League commodities, the Magpies appear focused on acquiring established top-flight performers who can hit the ground running.

Mbeumo sits atop their wishlist after a 20-goal season for Brentford, while Semenyo’s direct running and improved end product at Bournemouth have caught the eye of Tyneside scouts.

Kudus offers a different profile – a technically gifted dribbler capable of operating across the front line, whose underlying numbers suggest he’s been unfortunate not to contribute more goals this season.

The potential departure of Harvey Barnes could accelerate Newcastle’s pursuit of wing reinforcements. Aston Villa have identified the former Leicester man as an ideal replacement for Marcus Rashford, whose loan spell at Villa Park won’t be made permanent.

Barnes’ potential exit would leave a void in Newcastle’s attacking options, particularly on the left flank where Kudus has frequently operated for West Ham.

Financial considerations will inevitably shape this transfer saga. West Ham’s need to balance their books, coupled with Kudus’ contractual situation, creates an intriguing dynamic.

While the £85 million clause for domestic rivals represents a significant outlay, Newcastle’s qualification for Europe’s elite competition provides both the financial muscle and sporting appeal to make such an investment feasible.

The Magpies may also explore structured payment plans or player-exchange options to make the deal more palatable financially.

As the summer window approaches, Newcastle’s recruitment team faces critical decisions about how to allocate their resources.

Kudus’ blend of Premier League experience, technical quality, and untapped potential makes him an attractive option, but whether he represents better value than alternatives like Mbeumo remains debatable.

One thing appears certain – the Magpies are preparing to make a serious statement in the transfer market as they build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s interest in Kudus crystallizes into concrete bids, or if their extensive scouting leads them down alternative pathways.

What’s clear is that the club’s recruitment strategy has entered an ambitious new phase, targeting players who can immediately elevate their attacking options rather than promising projects for the future.

In Kudus, they’ve identified a talent capable of terrorizing defenses on Champions League nights – if they can unlock the consistency that has eluded him this season.