Sky Sports: Newcastle exploring move for “clinical” £17m star, he’s better than Kudus
Newcastle United find themselves at a critical juncture in their summer transfer plans after facing consecutive rejections for their primary right wing targets.
The Magpies’ ambitious pursuit of attacking reinforcements has hit roadblocks, first with Bryan Mbeumo choosing Manchester United over Tyneside, followed by Nottingham Forest’s swift dismissal of their £45 million bid for Anthony Elanga.
These setbacks have forced Eddie Howe’s recruitment team to explore alternative options, with PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus emerging as viable solutions.
The Dutch league standout Bakayoko presents an intriguing opportunity at a potentially bargain £17 million fee, given his contract situation at PSV.
The 22-year-old Belgian international’s statistics from his standout 2023/24 campaign demonstrate why Newcastle initially showed interest:
| Key Metrics (2023/24 Season) | Johan Bakayoko | Mohammed Kudus |
|---|---|---|
| Goals + Assists per 90 | 0.76 | 0.54 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.45 | 1.08 |
| Progressive Passes per 90 | 3.50 | 2.87 |
| Shot-Creating Actions per 90 | 5.20 | 3.75 |
| Progressive Carries per 90 | 7.11 | 4.32 |
Bakayoko’s numbers reveal a player who excels at driving attacks forward, creating chances, and contributing directly to goals – all crucial attributes for Newcastle’s system.
His ability to progress the ball (7.11 carries per 90) particularly stands out, offering the Magpies a different dimension compared to their current options.
While his production dipped slightly last season (12 goals, 3 assists), his underlying numbers suggest this may have been more about tactical adjustments than declining ability.
Kudus represents the more proven Premier League commodity, having adapted well to English football since his move from Ajax.
The Ghanaian’s versatility to operate across multiple attacking positions adds value, though his creative output and ball progression metrics fall short of Bakayoko’s peak performance levels.
At 24, Kudus is entering what should be his prime years, but West Ham would likely demand a premium fee that could exceed £40 million – more than double Bakayoko’s potential cost.
Newcastle’s decision ultimately hinges on their assessment of risk versus reward. Bakayoko offers greater potential upside at a fraction of the cost, but comes with questions about adapting to Premier League intensity.
Kudus provides safer Premier League pedigree but may not represent the same value proposition. With Financial Fair Play considerations ever-present, the £17 million outlay for Bakayoko could free up funds to strengthen other areas, while still addressing the right wing vacancy created by Miguel Almirón’s departure.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle formalize their interest in either player or pursue other alternatives.
What’s clear is that after their initial setbacks, the recruitment team must now carefully weigh statistical profiles, tactical fits, and financial implications to secure the right solution for Howe’s evolving attacking system.
Bakayoko’s combination of youth, productivity, and affordability makes him particularly compelling, but only if Newcastle’s scouts believe he can translate his Eredivisie form to the Premier League’s more demanding environment.