Newcastle United finished off the transfer window on the right footing. Though they lost their primary striker, Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a £130 million transfer fee, the Magpies have brought in two new candidates, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, to replace the Swede.
Additionally, Newcastle added four more players for other positions, including Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, and Aaron Ramsdale. While a few more signings would have been ideal, it’s hard to be too critical given the club’s disastrous start to the window.
Nevertheless, with the summer transfer window over for barely even a week, Newcastle have already started planning ahead. Reports have emerged suggesting that the club have identified their target for the winter transfer window.
CaughtOffside have reported that Newcastle are interested in a winter move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The player is also wanted by Aston Villa, which could lead to a battle between clubs for his signature in January.
Newcastle United interested in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as winter transfer target
The Eagles have reportedly increased the player’s valuation and set a fee of around £40 million due to growing interest from clubs. This price could further rise in the event of a bidding war between the suitors.
The French international has scored 17 gaols last season in 46 appearances in all competitions for Palace. He has found the back of the net once in this campaign as well. So there’s little doubt regarding the quality of Mateta.
That said, Eddie Howe already has two new strikers at his disposal, and it is a bit surprising that the Magpies are already targeting a third. There are various other positions that could use some strengthening.
Anyway, the winter transfer window is about four months away, and things could change between now and then. At the moment, the main focus for Newcastle should be to secure their first win of the season, which, to most fans' surprise, hasn’t come in the first three matches of the Premier League and get going. The newly arrived strikers are also set to debut for the club in the coming matchdays, and it is another thing to look forward to.