Newcastle United are being linked with some very exciting players heading into the January transfer window, and one player they reportedly could sign is Cody Gakpo.
The Dutch forward was linked with a move to St James’ Park during the summer, and now his name has resurfaced following a string of sensational performances at the World Cup.
Gakpo was arguably Netherlands’ best player in Qatar, scoring three goals as his nation reached the quarter finals of the competition.
His performances on the world stage have really turned heads, leading to plenty of clubs chasing his signature.
The Chronicle recently reported that Newcastle have been scouting Gakpo this season, both for PSV Eindhoven and at the World Cup with his country. Meanwhile, the Northern Echo believe that the 23-year-old is on the Magpies’ transfer wishlist heading into January.
A move won’t come cheap, with a recent report stating that it will cost £50million to sign him from PSV next month. That fee would make him one of Newcastle’s most expensive arrivals ever, and a deal would raise questions about a current Toon forward.
Unclear where ASM fits in if Newcastle sign Gakpo
While Newcastle continue to search for a winger, Eddie Howe will have two rarely seen forwards back in his ranks after the World Cup.
Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak have barely featured this season due to injury, but should be fit to return when domestic football resumes.
For Saint-Maximin, he will be keen to reclaim his place on the left of attack – a position that has been his ever since he joined the club in 2019 (bar a brief period where he played as a central striker).
But with Gakpo suddenly on the Magpies’ radar, that raises questions about the 25-year-old’s future as a guaranteed starter at St James’ park.
Gakpo is a versatile forward who can play as a striker, but it is off the left flank where he has had most of his joy at PSV this season. Despite only being halfway through the season, he already has 30 goal contributions thanks to 13 goals and 17 assists.
In contrast, Saint-Maximin has one goal and three assists so far. He has been limited to just eight appearances, so is averaging a goal involvement every other game.
That’s a decent return, but compared to Gakpo it is much less impressive.
If Newcastle were to sign the Dutchman, it would surely be so he can play off the left. It isn’t going to be as a central striker, with the Magpies spending £63million on Isak last summer. And the right arguably doesn’t suit him, as he is a player who likes cutting in onto his stronger foot – like Saint-Maximin.
So while a move for Gakpo would be welcomed by Toon fans, it could spell danger for Saint-Maximin. He is ‘unplayable‘ on his day, but his place in the starting XI could be in jeopardy if Gakpo arrives on Tyneside.
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