Newcastle United are expecting a busy summer transfer window.
With Champions League football secured and a squad in need of a few key additions, agents have been circling like hawks.
One name keeps coming up, a striker with a strong goal record, playing at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
On paper, he looks like the kind of signing fans dream about. But when you dig a little deeper, it’s easy to see why Newcastle are being careful.
The truth is, Newcastle haven’t gone out chasing this deal. The player is being offered to the club, not the other way around.
His representatives know Newcastle are willing to spend this summer, and they’re hoping to take advantage.
But Eddie Howe and the recruitment team are working to a plan. They want quality, yes, but also balance.
That means keeping the wage structure under control and not bringing in someone who could upset the dynamic in the dressing room.
Right now, the club is preparing to make Alexander Isak their first £200k-a-week player.
He’s earned that status. He’s our number nine, our star forward.
Bringing in another striker on similar wages, just to play second fiddle, makes no sense.
Dusan Vlahovic to Newcastle United transfer has major problem
That’s why the Dusan Vlahovic to Newcastle United transfer is unlikely to happen. Vlahovic’s wage demands are massive.
Even with reports ChronicleLive suggesting he could drop to £165k a week, that’s still a huge salary and that’s before you even factor in the transfer fee, which could be around £30 million.
Add in the fact his current club want to offload him due to rising costs, and it starts to feel like we’re being sold a problem.
He’s a good player. No one doubts that. But Newcastle have worked too hard to build smartly just to throw money around now.
Unless something major changes, it’s a no-go for this one. Plenty of time left in the window and better fits out there for the club.