Newcastle United are reportedly ready to accept defeat in their transfer pursuit of Darwin Nunez.
That’s according to the Telegraph, who state that the striker very likely won’t be coming to St James’ Park this summer.
The Magpies are in the market for a new forward, and Nunez is a player who ticks a lot of boxes. He looks tailormade for the Premier League and can only get better at the age of 22.
Nunez currently has 33 goals in all competitions for Benfica this season, including six in the Champions League.
He’s already an elite striker, which is why Newcastle wanted to sign him in January. However, the Telegraph report that they were told he wouldn’t leave until the summer.
With big clubs interested in his signature, it looks like the Magpies are going to miss out.
Darwin Nunez wants European football – he won’t get that at Newcastle next season
The Telegraph report that Nunez wants to join a club that can offer him European football. That’s why Newcastle are already prepared to look elsewhere.
For all of our progress this year, we definitely won’t be qualifying for Europe.
And given his performances this season, you can’t blame Nunez for wanting to continue plying his trade in European competition.
Yes, Newcastle may eventually get there. But why should Nunez wait when he has so many other suitors who can offer Champions League football immediately?
Some may point at the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes taking a risk to join Newcastle, but it isn’t as simple as that. Timing was pivotal when it comes to those deals, and it’s what will cost the Magpies Nunez.
Nunez is perfect for Newcastle, but sadly he’s too ambitious a target right now. Right player, wrong time.
Instead, Eddie Howe and co will look elsewhere.