Newcastle United are reportedly considering a summer move for Noa Lang.
That’s according to the Athletic, who claim the Magpies have been watching the Club Brugge winger.
Newcastle’s summer transfer business will all be about forwards and selling players for the foreseeable future. It’s been an exciting start to the window for Toon fans, with Eddie Howe’s defensive ranks seriously bolstered.
Matt Targett is back, Nick Pope arrives to compete with Martin Dubravka, and the pursuit of Sven Botman has finally reached a happy conclusion.
Now the club can focus on attacking reinforcements, and could turn to Botman’s fellow countryman.
Noa Lang would reunite with Sven Botman at St James’ Park
The 23-year-old Dutch attacker moving to Newcastle is an exciting proposition. He is one of the most sought after wingers in Europe at the moment.
And the Magpies might have an edge given our most recent arrival.
Botman joined the club last week for £35million from Lille, signing a five-year deal at St James’ Park. It’s a huge signing for Newcastle, who have been trying to land the Dutchman all year.
He arrives having never played with anyone in the current Magpies squad, but that would change if Lang arrived.
While each player has made their name away from the Netherlands, they both started their careers at Ajax. The pair played alongside each other for Ajax’s second team, while they have also came through the international youth ranks together.
Lang is an alternative option for Newcastle
The Magpies’ main wide target is Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. He’s the one everyone wants.
While Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director has suggested Diaby could leave, the Frenchman may end up costing too much money. Newcastle are therefore considering alternatives.
Lang falls into that category, and he certainly ticks a lot of boxes. He’s a similar age to Diaby – just a year older – so is at a point in his career where he can still grow and improve.
The Netherlands international is versatile too, capable of playing on either flank or even through the middle if needs be. Having those kind of options will appeal to Howe, who wants to add more quality in wide areas.
It’s a position that Newcastle really need to improve in. Allan Saint-Maximin is the only winger in our squad who is a guaranteed starter. Our other options are all of similar calibre, but perhaps lack that decisive quality in the final third.
That’s why someone like Diaby is being targeted, and why Lang would be an enticing alternative. He’s the kind player who would excite fans, with Rafael van der Vaart calling him ‘amazing to watch‘ last year.
He has thrived in the Belgian league since his move to Brugge, enjoying impressive back-to-back seasons. In his debut year he provided 22 goal contributions in 24 games. Then last season he bagged seven goals and 12 assists in 31 appearances.
Taking his talents from the Belgian league to the top flight of English football isn’t necessarily easy, but he has the raw ability to shine in the Premier League for Newcastle.
Lang is definitely an exciting alternative if our pursuit of Diaby ends in disappointment.
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