It is very clear that Newcastle United need to sign a striker in 2024, which is why news of interest in Marcos Leonardo is very exciting.
It has been reported in Brazil that Newcastle have contacted Santos about signing the 20-year-old forward, who looks set to be available for between £17.5million and £22million according to UOL.
That is a lot of money for someone who has not played outside of Brazil, but it is a small price to pay for someone who could lead the line at Newcastle for the next decade.
Newcastle must move fast to sign Callum Wilson replacement
At this moment in time, Newcastle only have one fully fit senior striker.
Alexander Isak is out of action with a groin injury, and will not return until after the international break.
That leaves Eddie Howe with only Callum Wilson, who is a player that has struggled with injuries throughout his Toon career. It is too much to ask him to play two games a week, which Newcastle are doing a lot this season given the increase in fixtures.
With Isak out, there is pressure on Wilson to remain fit, while Howe is going to have to play someone out of position in order to protect the 31-year-old amid this busy run.
That is why it is vital Newcastle bring someone in who can support Wilson, and eventually take his place. He is 31 now and, while he is playing brilliantly, Newcastle will eventually need to replace him. It has been claimed that Newcastle are looking for a young striker, and it appears that they have found one.
Leonardo is perfect for that role, having already scored more than 50 goals for Santos despite only being 20-years-old. He is exceptional in front of goal, and is tipped to have a bright future at international level in the future, having been described as the ‘next Neymar‘.
He will soon be playing alongside Bruno Guimaraes for Brazil, but it would be even better if they could become Newcastle United teammates as well.
Newcastle have missed out on players similar to Marcos Leonardo
Newcastle have tried to tap into the Brazilian market over the past year, but have struggled to get deals over the line.
There was confidence that Andrey Santos was going to sign, but he went to Chelsea.
There was a trip to Brazil to try and get Angelo Gabriel to move to St James’ Park, but he also took his talents to Chelsea.
Now the Magpies are looking at another Brazilian starlet, and will be desperate to avoid making it a hat-trick of transfer blunders.
That will be easier said than done, as there is a lot of interest in Marcos Leonardo. Clubs from all over Europe are keen to secure his signature.
With so much interest, it is vital that Newcastle move fast and show Leonardo how committed they are to him, and why they believe he is the man to replace the club’s current number nine.
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