Gary Lineker has spoken very highly of someone who Newcastle United would love to sign in the summer.
Newcastle are very much restricted by what they can do in the January window but are already preparing for what will be a big summer in six months time.
One of those targets is Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker has been blown away by the talent of the 20-year-old this season.
Lineker says Newcastle target is ‘special’
It’s been an incredible season so far for Bayer Leverkusen who most recently beat RB Leipzig with a last-minute winner to secure their spot at the top of the Bundesliga for another week.
The German side remain unbeaten thanks to some brilliant coaching from Xabi Alonso and individual brilliance from the likes of Wirtz who is really enjoying his football at the moment.
The 20-year-old midfielder has registered 12 goal contributions in 18 league games this season and is showing now signs of slowing down, so naturally there are a host of clubs interested in bringing him to their club
Newcastle are one of those who have been tracking the young man for a matter of months now, though it’s clear that they wouldn’t be able to afford him now so a summer move is more likely than anything.
When he’s watched him Lineker has been very impressed with the attacking midfielder and suggested that he’ll be one to watch for Euro 2024.
On the podcast, Lineker said: “Have you seen much of Florian Wirtz? 20-year-old German, he plays high up on the left hand side. He is going to be a player. I’m telling you. I have seen him play a few times now and he has got so much talent.
“I really like him. I think he has played 18 times for the German national team. He looks a little bit special to me. Certainly one to look out for in the Euros this summer as well as this particular season.”
Newcastle will need a huge summer
The fans understand now that the club simply don’t have enough room to make any big changes to the squad this winter despite desperately needing some reinforcements for a European push.
However, that can’t be the case in the summer if Newcastle are serious about competing at the top of the Premier League, they need more top quality players to achieve their long-term goals.
Wirtz would bring that bit of a spark to the team, something that Newcastle have often been missing especially when playing against a low block which they have struggled to break down.
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