Newcastle linked with making signing in January which would go completely against Paul Mitchell’s strategy

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Paul Mitchell intends to overhaul Newcastle United’s transfer strategy in 2025.

The Newcastle United sporting director is shaking things up at St James’ Park, on the back of a 2024 that saw the Magpies fail to sign a single player who improves their starting XI.

PSR has held Newcastle back, as the PIF project shows signs of stalling.

Now Paul Mitchell is aiming to get things back on track, with Newcastle set to target young players from overseas. That is instead of proven Premier League talent who will cost huge amounts of money.

While the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo are admired, Newcastle are looking at Johan Bakayoko instead. He plays in the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven, and will hopefully be more affordable.

Newcastle linked with Mohammed Kudus

While Newcastle may still struggle to sign Bakayoko, another Toon transfer target has emerged.

However, this one goes against Mitchell’s plan to revolutionise the Magpies’ transfer strategy.

It has been claimed that Newcastle are interested in Mohammed Kudus, who has excelled for West Ham since joining them in the summer of 2023.

Pep Guardiola called Kudus ‘exceptional‘ earlier this year, and the Ghanaian attacker is exactly what Newcastle United need in attack.

He would be a game-changing addition to Eddie Howe’s squad – the type of player that could transform Newcastle’s attack alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

It would be amazing to see Kudus sign for Newcastle United, but a 2025 transfer feels very unattainable.

How much Mohammed Kudus would cost Newcastle

That is because of the fee he would command.

Geordie Boot Boys have spoken to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has revealed that the 24-year-old would cost as much as £80million.

“If you’re a Newcastle fan wanting a right-sided attacker, are there many better than Kudus that are available in the Premier League? Probably not,” he said.

“West Ham have got PSR concerns and want to do business in January, as they need another forward. As with Newcastle, they might need to sell to buy.

“Kudus would be very expensive, but he’s a huge talent. It feels unlikely in January, as he would cost close to £80million. Would Newcastle be in the conversation at that amount? Not according to everything we’re hearing ahead of January.”

At £80million, that would make Kudus Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing the £63million deal for Alexander Isak.

With money set to be incredibly tight during the January transfer window, there is no way that Newcastle will be able to splash out for a player like Kudus. Mitchell will be looking further afield, as PSR continues to make his job incredibly difficult.