Report: Newcastle leading the race to sign ‘insane’ striker in bargain £17m deal

Newcastle United are reportedly emerging as one of the frontrunners in the race to sign Besiktas’ rising star Semih Kilicsoy, according to Caught Offside.

The 19-year-old forward has been making waves in Turkish football, progressing through Besiktas’ youth academy to become a regular in the first team.

With 37 appearances across all competitions this season and four caps for the Turkish national team, Kilicsoy has attracted attention from several top European clubs.

Newcastle, in particular, are keen to strengthen their attacking options following the departure of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United in January.

However, the Magpies will face stiff competition from other Premier League sides, including Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton, and Nottingham Forest, all of whom are also interested in the young talent.

Kilicsoy’s versatility as both a striker and left-winger makes him an attractive prospect for Eddie Howe’s squad. While his offensive output this season has been modest, with three goals and two assists in 24 Super Lig appearances, his potential is undeniable.

Last season, he was praised for his clinical finishing, with some even describing his efficiency in front of goal as “insane.” At just 19 years old, Kilicsoy has plenty of time to develop and fulfill his promise, making him a valuable long-term investment for any club.

Newcastle’s interest in Kilicsoy aligns with their broader strategy to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

The Magpies are currently in the mix for Champions League qualification and have also secured a place in the EFL Cup final, where they will face Liverpool in a bid to end their decades-long trophy drought.

Strengthening the squad with young, dynamic players like Kilicsoy could be key to sustaining their progress and achieving similar success in the future.

According to reports, a fee of around €20 million (£17 million) could be enough to persuade Besiktas to part ways with Kilicsoy. This figure represents a significant increase from the €15 million (£13 million) bid Aston Villa reportedly had rejected last summer.

Despite the rejection, Villa’s interest in the player remains, adding another layer of competition for Newcastle. Fulham, Everton, and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring Kilicsoy’s situation, making the race for his signature highly competitive.

Below is a summary of Semih Kilicsoy’s 2024/25 Super Lig statistics:

While Kilicsoy’s numbers this season may not jump off the page, his underlying qualities and potential make him a compelling target.

His ability to play multiple positions would provide Eddie Howe with additional flexibility, offering depth behind established stars like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Moreover, Kilicsoy’s age and room for growth align with Newcastle’s vision of building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts for years to come.

The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a busy one for Newcastle as they look to reinforce their squad and build on their recent progress.

Securing a talent like Kilicsoy would not only address immediate needs but also signal the club’s ambition to compete with the Premier League’s elite.

However, with several clubs vying for his signature, Newcastle will need to act decisively to land their target. As the Magpies continue their push for Champions League qualification and prepare for the EFL Cup final, the addition of a promising young forward like Kilicsoy could be a crucial step in their ongoing evolution.