Newcastle United have proven themselves willing to be reactive in the transfer market.
Indeed, this summer alone, the club changed plans to strengthen in key areas. Tino Livramento, after all, was not thought to have been a priority but Newcastle moved when the opportunity emerged.
Based on his performance against Manchester City in the week, they are surely glad they did.
Lewis Hall, meanwhile, was reportedly close to joining Crystal Palace on loan before the Magpies swooped.
That willingness and ability to remain open to possibilities is crucial, even if Newcastle’s success in the PIF era thus far has been based on coherent squad planning.
Now, they could be ready to move after dramatic events in Italy.
Newcastle interested in a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, billed by his agent as “better than [Erling] Haaland” could reportedly leave the club.
The striker fired the club to an historic Serie A title last season but was the subject of a bizarre TikTok put out by the club channels and has duly been linked away.
Italian outlet Sport Italia suggest Newcastle are interested in the 24-year-old and that a £65m offer could be launched. The report even claims a swap deal with Alexander Isak could be on the cards.
Hard to imagine that happening in January
Even if Newcastle were not limited by Financial Fair Play (FFP), it’s difficult to imagine a deal happening as soon as January.
The Nigeria international will, if selected, be away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations that month, surely complicating matters.
Long-term, however, it would make sense.
One of the most prolific marksmen in Europe last season, he scored 31 goals across all competitions. Callum Wilson cannot go on forever and Eddie Howe appears to value having two top level forwards, as he currently rotates the England international with Isak.
Any move for Osimhen would certainly be a statement signing.
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