Miguel Almiron might be walking on air at the moment, but that has not stopped Newcastle from eyeing up a new winger in the 2023 transfer windows.
And with Leandro Trossard having said he is open to a move away from Brighton, the Magpies are said to be monitoring him ever more closely at the World Cup.
The presence at Newcastle of Dan Ashworth, who was the Seagulls’ technical director when Trossard signed for Brighton in 2019-20, also points to a potential move for the Belgian, whose nine goals and assists already this campaign are only just behind his season total of 11 in 2021-22.
READ MORE: Newcastle United chiefs instruct scouts to glean World Cup as Magpies monitor Leandro Trossard
“It completely depends on which club would come,” Trossard told Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club earlier this year. “If the opportunity arises, I want to go. But I want to play and not sit on the bench.”
But Newcastle have signposted a different recruitment model in their move for teenage Australian winger Garang Kuol.
And despite Ashworth’s knowledge of Trossard, the premium price commanded by players with proven Premier League pedigree may also be a barrier to the Belgian coming north.
So which other established wingers might be a good fit for Newcastle? Here, we showcase three possible alternatives to Trossard for United manager Eddie Howe.
Rafael Leao
AC Milan have enjoyed good success on the continent in recent years, with Leao being amongst the most influential players in the 2021-22 Calcio A winning campaign.
The 23-year-old left-winger has done even better term, with eight goals and 10 assists in just 28 games, and his one-on-one ability breaks down defensive lines and helps to create chances with ease.
His came off the bench for Portugal to secure a World Cup group victory over Ghana, and impressed again as a replacement in their follow-up victory over Uruguay.
Mohammed Kudus
One of the stand-out stars of this winter’s World Cup, Kudus will without a doubt end the tournament a more expensive prospect than when it began.
The versatile 22-year-old has featured for Ajax as a winger, centre-forward and attacking midfielder, offering a similar versatility to Newcastle summer signing Alexander Isak.
The left-footed Ghanaian scored a brace in his country’s thrilling 3-2 win over South Korea this week, to add to his 13 goals and assists for Ajax this season. Whether or not he is of interest to Newcastle, Kudus’ TransferMarkt value of 15m euros is sure to rise.
Christian Pulisic
Reports suggest Chelsea want £35 million for Pulisic, and that Newcastle face rival interest for the American from Manchester United and Arsenal.
But with the 24-year-old entering the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, there may be room for negotiation on that fee.
Newcastle had reportedly been interested in a loan deal for the Pulisic during the summer. But with his bright form so far at the World Cup, and yet his fall down the Chelsea pecking order under Graham Potter, a permanent move this winter could be a strong possibility for Pulisic.
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