Report: Right wing options Newcastle United should consider recruiting this summer

ByNufc Now Transfer

As a passionate Newcastle United supporter hailing from Indonesia, I’ve watched with immense pride as our club stands on the brink of Champions League qualification once again.

With just three points needed from our final two matches to secure top-flight European football, the upcoming summer transfer window takes on monumental importance.

Having last contributed to The Mag three years ago, I return to analyze how we can strengthen our squad to compete on four fronts next season while addressing our pressing need for squad rejuvenation.

Our current squad’s average age of 28.8 years (17th oldest in the Premier League) demands urgent attention, particularly in three critical positions: goalkeeper (Nick Pope turns 34), right center-back (Fabian Schär will be 34), and right wing (Jacob Murphy approaches 31).

This analysis focuses specifically on the right wing position, where we lack natural specialists beyond Murphy, with Will Osula being more suited to central roles.

While high-profile names like Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven) dominate the rumor mill, their premium valuations and intense competition make alternatives worth exploring.

Below, I present a comprehensive scouting report on realistic, ambitious, and developmental options who could bolster our right flank while respecting Financial Fair Play constraints.

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Achievable Transfer Targets

  1. Edon Zhegrova (LOSC Lille)
    The 26-year-old Kosovan winger combines electrifying pace with sublime dribbling in a 1.8m frame perfectly suited for Premier League physicality. With his contract expiring in 2026 and currently recovering from muscle injury, Lille may accept a reasonable fee for a player who’s consistently outperformed his modest reputation.
  2. Rayan Cherki (Olympique Lyonnais)
    This 21-year-old French prodigy represents the complete modern attacker – ambidextrous, creative, and capable of unlocking defenses from wide or central positions. Though contracted until 2027, Lyon’s financial situation could force a sale for a player whose value has plateaued after early hype.
  3. Viktor Tsygankov (Girona FC)
    The 27-year-old Ukrainian has been instrumental in Girona’s fairytale season, forming a devastating partnership with Savinho. With Yeremy Pino emerging and Girona needing to balance their books, Tsygankov’s €25m release clause presents outstanding value for a proven La Liga performer.
  4. Dilane Bakwa (RC Strasbourg)
    Chelsea’s reported interest in this 22-year-old French dynamo speaks volumes about his potential. Bakwa thrives in one-on-one situations, using his low center of gravity and quick feet to torment fullbacks. Strasbourg’s mid-table Ligue 1 finish makes them vulnerable to sensible offers.
  5. Issahaku Fatawu (Leicester City)
    Leicester’s relegation makes the 21-year-old Ghanaian an opportunistic purchase. Before his cruciate ligament injury, Fatawu terrorized Manchester United with 12 completed dribbles in one match. His recovery timeline (August return) could depress his valuation to bargain levels.
  6. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
    The Nigerian speedster’s struggles in Serie A (1 goal in 24 appearances) mask his undeniable talent. Milan may cut their losses on the 25-year-old, offering Newcastle a chance to resurrect a player who tormented defenses at Villarreal with his inverted runs and explosive acceleration.
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Ambitious Projects

For bolder moves, Newcastle could target:

  • Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco): The 23-year-old French-Algerian has blossomed into Monaco’s creative hub
  • Francisco Conceição (FC Porto): Currently on loan at Juventus, the 22-year-old Portuguese winger combines trickery with end product
  • Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad): The Japanese international’s €60m release clause reflects his status as La Real’s talisman

Future Prospects

Long-term investments could include:

  • Roger Fernandes (SC Braga): The 19-year-old Portuguese youth international is developing into a complete wide player
  • Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyonnais): Ghana’s latest export combines raw pace with improving decision-making
  • Mohamed-Ali Cho (OGC Nice): The former Angers prodigy is rediscovering his form in Ligue 1
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Honorable Mentions

Other intriguing options include Villarreal’s Ilias Akhomach, Sporting’s Geny Catamo, Lazio’s Gustav Isaksen, Wolfsburg’s Andreas Skov Olsen, and Zenit’s Luiz Henrique – all offering varying profiles to suit different tactical approaches.

Strategic Considerations

Newcastle’s recruitment team must balance:

  1. Immediate Impact vs Potential: Younger options may need adaptation periods we can’t afford
  2. Resale Value: Critical for PSR compliance in future windows
  3. Tactical Flexibility: Howe favors versatile attackers who can interchange positions
  4. Injury Histories: Several targets have concerning fitness records

As we prepare for Champions League football, our transfer strategy must reflect our new reality.

While marquee signings capture headlines, smart acquisitions like these could provide the depth and quality needed to sustain a European campaign while maintaining a Premier League top-four challenge.

From my vantage point in Indonesia, I see a club at a crossroads – with prudent recruitment, we can establish ourselves as Champions League regulars rather than one-season wonders.

The right wing represents just one piece of this complex puzzle, but addressing it effectively could be the difference between European also-rans and genuine contenders.

Howay the lads – may this summer’s business propel us to even greater heights!