Newcastle United are still interested in signing Armando Broja from Chelsea this summer.
The Albanian has been relentlessly linked with a move to St James’ Park. Shortly after the Sven Botman deal, it felt likely that he would become a Magpie.
Newcastle wanted him on loan, while Broja wanted out. It was even claimed that he was interested in a move to St James’ Park.
However, that is yet to happen. West Ham swooped in but failed to complete a deal. Then Newcastle’s interest cooled when it emerged that Broja would demand to be a regular starter if he were to arrive on loan.
That would never happen as long as Callum Wilson was fit. Newcastle have since looked elsewhere for strikers, with Joao Pedro and Goncalo Ramos currently linked.
But Broja remains on the club’s radar, and it appears that the Magpies have slightly changed their stance over the 20-year-old.
Newcastle do Armando Broja U-turn
Having previously only been interested in a loan deal with an option to buy, Newcastle appear to have changed their minds.
According to 90min, Dan Ashworth and co are willing to buy Broja permanently from Chelsea now.
That could make a move to St James’ Park more appealing for the Albania international. It means he wouldn’t just a have a year of potentially sitting on the bench twiddling his thumbs. There would be a long-term plan for him to eventually replace Wilson as the club’s main striker.
A permanent deal for Broja, who is ‘clinical‘ according to Alan Shearer, could also allow us to make other signings from Chelsea. We can only sign one player from Stamford Bridge on loan, with Eddie Howe also interested in a winger.
Signing Broja permanently might mean a loan for Callum Hudson-Odoi or Christian Pulisic is more of a possibility.
However, any move for the young striker will cost Newcastle a lot of money. It was previously claimed that West Ham were going to pay for £30million for Broja. That would represent a significant outlay for the Magpies.
It might all depend on Newcastle’s other targets. A deal is currently in the works for Joao Pedro. If he arrives then talk of Broja signing will end.
With two weeks to go in the transfer window, Ashworth has a lot of spinning plates. Plenty of deals will be being discussed, with backups and alternatives ready and waiting.
While there is worry from some fans, Newcastle will surely be active before 11pm September 1st. Whether that involves a deal for Broja remains to be seen.
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