Newcastle United will have had one eye on the Champions League this week, one year after that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain.
This week it was Arsenal beating PSG, at the same time as Newcastle United’s win over Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup. It was a far cry from that iconic European night, as a subdued Newcastle side failed to excel in front of a flat St James’ Park.
Wednesday night brought more Champions League drama, as Aston Villa completed their own historic European win. They beat Bayern Munich 1-0, with Unai Emery’s side now boasting back-to-back Champions League victories.
But there was also a pretty big shock in France, as the Champions League holders suffered their first defeat of the season.
Newcastle United target scores the winner against Real Madrid
Real Madrid travelled to Lille on Wednesday night, with the 15-time European champions suffering a 1-0 defeat.
The only goal of the game came from the spot, as Jonathan David scored a pressure penalty to hand his side a historic victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
After the game, David told Le11 that it is possibly the best night of his career.
“It’s a magical night,” he said.
“Beating Real Madrid is not a given. It’s a night we won’t forget.”
The 24-year-old continued his bright start to the season, with David boasting eight goals and two assists from 12 appearances so far.
His Champions League heroics come at a time when his future is uncertain. The Canada international is in the final year of his Lille contract, and looks on course to leave the club and become a free agent next summer.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle have spoken to David’s representatives about a possible deal, as Toon officials aim to discover the contractual terms that would be required to land the forward.
Elsewhere, it has been reported that Newcastle are the favourites to sign David. That claim comes from the Italian media, with the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus also keen.
Jonathan David shines as Newcastle’s striker search continues
It will be very difficult for Newcastle to sign David in 2025. He is an outstanding striker, and the fact he is going to become a free agent means he will command a hefty wage package.
Whether that puts him beyond the Magpies’ reach remains to be seen, but he is certainly a player who would fit in on Tyneside.
Newcastle are eager to sign a striker in 2025, and David ticks a lot of boxes.
He would be an excellent replacement for Callum Wilson, who is in the final year of his contract at St James’ Park. His future remains unclear, with Wilson yet to play this season due to injury.
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