Newcastle United could sign a midfielder this summer, but only if one of Eddie Howe’s current players leaves.
The most likely Newcastle United midfielder to depart is Sean Longstaff. He is entering the final 12 months of his contract at St James’ Park, while his minutes have diminished as of late.
It has been reported that Longstaff is expected to leave Newcastle, with Everton and Leeds United interested.
Eddie Howe would need to sign a replacement if the local lad is sold, and now a target has emerged from overseas.
Newcastle United are interested in Germany Under-21s star
The European Under-21 Championship has showcased the stars of the future, one of which is attracting attention on Tyneside.
According to Sport Bild, Newcastle United are one of four Premier League clubs that are interested in Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl. The other sides are Crystal Palace, Everton and Liverpool.
Rohl is with the Germany Under-21 squad, and could be on his way to England in the near future.
Sport Bild adds that the 22-year-old will cost more than £10million after Everton tried to sign him in January.
Interestingly, Rohl was linked with Newcastle in 2024, but a move to St James’ Park did not materialise.
Merlin Rohl has been compared to Leon Goretzka
Rohl has been a Freiburg player since August 2022, arriving from Ingolstadt. He is a versatile centre-midfielder who stands at 6ft 3in tall, with Rohl capable of playing in a deeper role or in a more offensive position.
A profile on the Bundesliga’s official website likened him to Bayern Munich superstar Leon Goretzka, which is incredibly high praise. They wrote: “A rangy central midfielder with good feet, an eye for a pass and the opposition goal, Röhl has a similar profile to Bayern Munich and Germany man Leon Goretzka.”
The praise does not end there. Tomas Oral, who coached Rohl at Ingolstadt, described him as the ‘complete midfielder’.
The youngster has the physicality required to thrive in Newcastle United’s midfield, as well as the technical talent. If Longstaff does leave, Rohl could be a smart replacement.
However, there is plenty of competition from the Magpies’ Premier League rivals.
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