Kylian Mbappe walked into St James Park on 4 October expecting to return with three Champions League points and a few goals. He was wrong.
The return leg would likely have been met with the same expectations only for Paris Saint Germain to be saved by a 90th-minute penalty (the less said about, the better).
The French superstar must have come away from those two fixtures thinking he needs a taste of the Premier League if the fourth-placed team can take 4 points off the French champions.
There have been years of speculation regarding his future with the forward happy to run down his contract and exercise his options to look elsewhere from the French capital.
The Premier League considered the best league in the world, is certainly a viable option despite flirting with Real Madrid for many years.
Reports in Foot Mercato have reported that an agreement has been completed between the Frenchman and the Los Blancos, however, a number of Spanish publications have claimed any transfer at the end of his contract is a long way off.
That brings in the Premier League teams as it is reported Mbappe has been unimpressed by Madrid's attempt to impose a deadline on his decision about his future as he wants to explore all his options.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool will certainly be the frontrunners for his signature, but why not Newcastle?
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Newcastle transfer news: Is Kylian Mbappe coming to Newcastle?
One thing in Newcastle’s favour will be the atmosphere he experienced first hand at St James’ Park with the Champions League fixture providing a red-hot environment for any superstar to be a part of.
Walking down the tunnel to hear the roar of the Geordies welcoming their team will not only excite the World Cup winner, but the whole of the Toon Army also. However, a fixture against the likes of Bournemouth or Fulham is not going to provide the same level of ‘electricity as the Champions League.
Should they package the deal for Mbappe to be the star and build a team around may be the offer he wants and to be the first superstar to build a legacy under the new owners.
Another advantage of Newcastle pursuing Mbappe would be the support of the Public Investment Fund, which can finance the transfer and cover the substantial wages if he was to join on a free transfer. The Saudi Arabia League had previously tried to entice Mbappe to move to the Middle East, but now their offer could be more appealing if he were to play in the Premier League.
However, it is important to consider Financial Fair Play regulations, as failure to structure the wages appropriately may pose a significant obstacle for PIF and Newcastle.
Obstacles for Newcastle
While Newcastle will be looking to improve their squad in the summer, a Kylian Mbappe signing may be a bridge too far to join Eddie Howe’s men.
The calibre of manager and teammates, finances, location (I would choose Newcastle over Madrid), the potential lack of European football, particularly the Champions League, and the prospect of not being favourites for trophies will certainly turn his head in another direction.
If reports are to be believed then Liverpool will be the Premier League frontrunners for the signing with the winger/striker providing an exciting move in an already packed quality forward line. Then joining Haaland in a dream XI at City or kicking the INEOS involvement at United to the perfect start.
Whatever happens, Mbappe joining the Premier League would be a fantastic move for all, but lets hope he continues to fire blanks at St. James Park for years to come.