Newcastle United are expected to have several players away on international duty after the Carabao Cup final.
It’s a trend that Newcastle United fans have only recently come to terms with. Before the takeover in 2021, there were barely any players away on international duty. That’s a testament to how well Newcastle have recruited since 2021 but also credit to Eddie Howe for continuing to improve the squad.
Newcastle were expected to have three players called up for the England national team after enjoying fine seasons. However, Lewis Hall’s ankle injury means that his season is over and new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel will have to look elsewhere for a left-back.
Tino Livramento is tipped for another cap after making his international debut last November while Anthony Gordon should also be in the running for selection. There is no indication of whether Gordon’s red card against Brighton will have any impact on being picked.
Brazil are one of the first national teams to announce their squad for the upcoming international break. Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have both been selected for the Green and Yellow. The pair have been fantastic in midfield this season and will take their partnership to the international stage once again.
With the pair set to jet off to South America after the Carabao Cup final, they could have a big opportunity to tempt a Newcastle target to join the club in the summer.
Newcastle United target Matheus Cunha included in Brazil squad
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has been brilliant for an otherwise lacklustre side this season, scoring 13 goals and bagging four assists in the Premier League.
Cunha is wanted by Newcastle as a result of his fine form – his ability to play in multiple attacking roles will surely be an attractive feature for Howe who likes a versatile player.
Should they agree personal terms Newcastle must pay £62.5m for Cunha and fight off interest from elsewhere. Reports suggested that Arsenal wanted Cunha but it is believed that their interest is waning due to concerns over his character.
The 25-year-old has received two bans this season, most recently when he received a straight red card for lashing out at Milos Kerkez during Wolves’ FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth. Cunha would surely fit right in at Newcastle considering how much his Brazilian national teammates Guimaraes and Joelinton like to get stuck in during games. The pair have seen their fair share of cards throughout their time on Tyneside.
While the Brazilian duo play for their national team, the Newcastle players who aren’t selected for international duty will travel to Dubai for warm weather camp.
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Should Newcastle United pay £62.5m for Matheus Cunha
There is no doubt that after three transfer windows with minimal spending, Newcastle fans want to see money spent and big names come through the door.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell will have more freedom to spend thanks to Newcastle’s £73m PSR boost which would be more than enough for Cunha’s release clause.
What fans must consider, however, is how much he would play if Alexander Isak were to stay at the club. Yes, he can play in other positions but his best position is as a striker. His price tag is also a cause for concern. Newcastle would have to pay close to their club-record fee to sign him, so on this occasion, it may be best to opt against signing him.
Mitchell wants to sign younger players who will cost significantly less than Cunha this summer. The 43-year-old already has a plan in place for who he would like to sign.
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