For £5million, Newcastle simply have to sign Sardar Azmoun – opinion

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Sardar Azmoun is reportedly a target for Newcastle as the club search for a new striker.

Even before Callum Wilson’s injury, there was a need for a new forward this month – although it wasn’t as pressing as our defensive concerns.

But after limping off against Manchester United, there is fear that Wilson could be out for a long time. Best case scenario seems to be that he misses a month.

That means Newcastle need a new striker in January – possibly even two depending on how long Wilson is out for.

Plenty of names have been linked, including Iranian star Sardar Azmoun. And his reported asking price makes him a no brainer.

Newcastle can sign Sardar Azmoun for bargain fee

According to the Daily Mail, Azmoun is potentially available for just £5million. The Zenit St Petersburg man’s contract expires in the summer, which is why he could be acquired for a bargain fee.

The 27-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 21 appearances this season, including Champions League goals against Chelsea and Juventus. He’s been relatively prolific since joining Zenit, hitting double figures in every campaign so far.

Azmoun is also lethal at international level, boasting an impressive tally of 39 goals in 60 appearances for Iran.

With that kind of goalscoring form, Azmoun could be a hit in the Premier League. Of course, there’s a chance he would struggle to settle in England. But for £5million, it’s absolutely worth the risk.

Even if he only scores a handful of goals in the Premier League, it shouldn’t be difficult to sell him on to another club for similar money.

Azmoun has proven against top opposition in the Champions League that he can score goals. He could do the same in a Newcastle shirt.

For such a small fee, Newcastle might as well take a punt on Azmoun – even if they bring in another striker alongside him who has Premier League experience.

But the Zenit ace could be an astute bit of business, and another example of them not needing to spend mega money despite our newfound wealth.