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Nicolai Jorgensen’s World Cup audition for Newcastle United

By Declan Ryan

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Nicolai Jorgensen of Denmark is tracked by Trent Sainsbury of Australia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between Denmark and Australia at Samara Arena on June 21, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Nicolai Jorgensen of Denmark is tracked by Trent Sainsbury of Australia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between Denmark and Australia at Samara Arena on June 21, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are getting a good look at Denmark’s striker.

Nicolai Jorgensen was linked to Newcastle United back in January, but a reported asking price of £20m was enough for the club to lose interest. The Dane finished the season strong in Holland however, scoring in three of his last four games including a man of the match performance in a 3-1 victory over FC Twente. Jorgensen ended the season with a disappointing record of 10 goals in 26 games, but he did manage to score twice in four Champions League appearances which is encouraging.

Now, the striker is playing on soccer’s biggest stage. Jorgensen had a quiet game in Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Peru but played better in the following 1-1 draw with Australia. Despite not finding the net he provided an excellent assist for Christian Eriksen’s goal, showing great awareness and control that could translate to the Premier League. In comparison to Newcastle’s current striking options in Dwight Gayle and Joselu, Jorgensen would most likely be an upgrade, but he also missed a free header from barely six yards out that could’ve won the game for his country.

Denmark’s last group game is a tough fixture against one of the competition’s best teams in France, but a win could see them take 1st place in the group and a draw would be enough to secure passage to the knockout rounds. Jorgensen played the full 90 against Peru but was given only 68 minutes in the Australia match, likely being rested for the game against the French on Tuesday.

With backup striker Nicklas Bendtner missing out on the World Cup through injury, Jorgensen will be relied upon to keep leading the line for Denmark as they hope to prolong their stay in Russia. So far, he’s shown little to warrant the astronomical £20m asking price, and that might be a blessing in disguise if Benitez still wants to sign him in the summer.

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Whilst Newcastle are hoping Mitrovic will score for Serbia to drive up his selling price, in a similar fashion, they will be keeping close tabs on those players who aren’t making headlines and will be available for cheap. Jorgensen could be a success in black and white, but £20m is far too much for a 27-year-old who is yet to prove himself at the highest level.