James Maddison is no longer an option for Newcastle United, which means it is no longer a toss up between the England international and Dominik Szoboszlai.
It has felt like a case of ‘one or the other’ ever since Szoboszlai emerged as a target, with rumours starting to swirl back in May.
Maddison’s move to Tottenham means that Newcastle are likely going to turn their attention towards the Hungarian, but that does not mean that a deal will be straightforward.
There is the issue of competition from Liverpool, but the main problem is RB Leipzig’s asking price. They want his £60million release clause paid in full – although Newcastle reportedly believe they can negotiate a cheaper deal.
If that does not prove to be the case, the Toon recruitment team might need to park their interest in the 22-year-old and look elsewhere. And for £20million less, they can sign another attacking midfielder who they have been taking a look at.
Mohammed Kudus available for £40m after Newcastle links
If Newcastle believe that Szoboszlai is too expensive, perhaps they could see Mohammed Kudus as an alternative.
He was linked with a move to Tyneside after excelling at the World Cup, where he was hailed as ‘amazing‘ for his performances in a Ghana shirt.
A January move did not materialise, but he now appears to be set to leave Ajax this summer. The 22-year-old wants to leave, and it was reported in May that he is attracting admiring glances from Newcastle.
The Magpies are one of various Premier League clubs keeping an eye on Kudus, but it is currently Brighton who appear to be leading the chase.
According to the Daily Mail, the Seagulls have held talks about signing him – although his price tag might appeal to Newcastle.
The report states that Ajax want £40million for the Ghanaian, which makes him a lot cheaper than Newcastle’s leading attacking midfield target Szoboszlai.
Kudus can do the same job as the Hungarian. He is capable of playing centrally in an advanced role, or he can take his talents out wide. And as an added bonus, he has even been used as an out-and-out striker from time to time.
His numbers in the Netherlands are excellent, with Kudus boasting 18 goals and seven assists for Ajax last season. In comparison, Szoboszlai got 10 goals and 13 assists in Germany.
Same age, similar positions, both boasting stacks of potential – but one is £20million cheaper. If Szoboszlai does prove to be out of Newcastle’s price range, Kudus sounds like an alternative that should definitely be considered.
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