Newcastle United has been linked with a move for Cody Gakpo over the last few months and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.
According to The Northern Echo, Eddie Howe has the Netherlands and PSV Eindhoven winger on his transfer wish list that was drawn up in the autumn.
As per the report, Newcastle has been closely tracking Gakpo and learned that his current club will command a transfer fee of around £40m.
Howe will be thrilled with the outcome of the Premier League campaign so far with his team challenging for a spot inside the top four as they currently sit third in the league table after losing just one game this season.
Just like league leaders Arsenal, Newcastle has only accepted one defeat which is owed to the phenomenal performances the Magpies have displayed over their first 15 outings in the top flight and the manager will be hoping that his team can pick up where they left off when they return to action after Christmas.
Indeed, it would seem that there wouldn’t be too much pressure on the club to make moves in the transfer window when it re-opens next month, however, if Newcastle wants to remain competitive at the top of the table they could add some new additions to improve and strengthen the already impressive squad.
It has been reported that Howe is keen to add another wide forward to his formidable forward line in the new year, so the signing of Gakpo could be the perfect move to ensure Newcastle remains firmly and comfortably within a Champions League qualifying spot at the end of the season.
The PSV winger – who was hailed a “real talent” by Nigel De Jong – currently matches none other than Manchester City striker Erling Haaland for goal contributions (21) in Europe this season, scoring nine goals and delivering 12 assists so far.
That is a remarkable man to be alongside, with the Norwegian proving nothing but a sensation since popping up in English football.
It’s a testament to Gakpo that in Europe’s top leagues, no one comes close to matching him or Haaland aside from Neymar, who has managed 20 goal involvements of his own.
The Newcastle target has continued that form on the biggest of stages over the last few weeks, proving to be a real stand-out performer at the World Cup in Qatar, where he outscored the aforementioned Brazilian superstar. He became an integral player for the Netherlands in their progression to the quarter-finals of the prestigious international tournament.
Over five World Cup appearances, the 23-year-old star scored three goals during a breakout few weeks for the thriving attacker.
On top of that, he successfully completed 50% of his dribbles and made two key passes per match, proving he isn’t just a goalscorer. Furthermore, he contributed immensely from a defensive point of view, averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.2 clearances, and winning 4.6 duels per game.
With that being said, the signing of Gakpo could be a significant coup for Newcastle especially if they can secure his signature in January. A player with Haaland-like stats, he could play a huge part in the team’s pursuit of retaining their top-four position over the second half of the season.
