Newcastle still linked with Dries Mertens two years after first PIF talks

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Newcastle United have been linked with a summer move for Dries Mertens.

The Belgian forward could soon become a free agent, with his current deal at Napoli due to expire. There is an option to extend it for another year, but it was reported in April that Napoli do not intend to activate that clause.

Mertens has so far been unable to agree a new contract, meaning a move away is becoming more and more probable.

And Newcastle are one of three Premier League clubs in the mix to sign him.

Belgian outlet Voetbal Flitsen claim that the Magpies, Crystal Palace and Leeds are all interested. They add that Newcastle are the most likely following last year’s takeover.

While talk of a 35-year-old joining Newcastle seems farfetched, Mertens is someone who has been on PIF’s radar for a while.

Mertens was linked with Newcastle in 2020

While the Saudi-backed takeover only went through last October, it was first touted back at the beginning of 2020.

It looked like Amanda Staveley was going to complete a deal to buy the club in April 2020, with rumours on potential targets starting to swirl.

Some of the names mentioned were incredible – a real shock to the system for Toon fans who were desperate for the Mike Ashley era to end.

Big names were suddenly being linked with Newcastle, one of which being Mertens.

ESPN reported that the then wannabe Toon owners had held talks with the Belgium international’s agent over a move. He was set to become a free agent then too.

Instead he stayed at Napoli, while the Newcastle takeover was put on hold.

Mertens move feels unlikely in 2022

Fast forward two years and the takeover has finally been completed, and Mertens is allegedly a target once again.

However, there is surely no chance he’ll be coming to St James’ Park. He’s the kind of player the owners seem keen to avoid.

That’s not a slight on his ability. Mertens is an incredible player and has been for multiple years. He still managed double figures this season, scoring 11 Serie A goals for Napoli. The forward solidified his place as Napoli’s all-time leading goalscorer, a record that has belonged to him since 2020.

But he’s 35 now and will command a huge wage, which doesn’t fit Newcastle’s blueprint. Eddie Howe’s side are looking at younger players with a longer shelf life, rather than marquee names who will grab the headlines.

Never say never, but you can file this rumour in the ‘extremely unlikely’ column.