Newcastle are worried about signing ‘incredible’ winger with more assists than Miguel Almiron

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Newcastle United are looking to sign an upgrade for Miguel Almiron this summer, but already have a concern regarding one of their targets.

With the Magpies on course to sign Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo on frees, the club can afford to put more of their budget towards signing a new right winger.

That has to be one of Newcastle’s United‘s priorities, as it is arguably the weakest position in Eddie Howe’s starting XI when everyone is fit.

The likes of Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy are decent squad players, but Newcastle need to bring in someone who is a level above if they are to challenge for a place in the Champions League next season.

Newcastle searching for a right winger

That is why Newcastle are looking at possible attacking reinforcements. Nico Williams has been linked but is unlikely due to his wage demands, while Michael Olise is also on the Magpies’ radar.

And so is Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto, who looks like the ideal replacement for a player like Almiron. However, a new report details a couple of issues that Newcastle have regarding the 24-year-old speedster.

How much Newcastle must pay to sign Pedro Neto from Wolves

The first problem is the price, with the Telegraph reporting that Wolves have set an asking price of £60million for Neto.

They state that Wolves are not under pressure to sell due to PSR, and want to receive a record fee for the Portuguese winger. Their record for an outgoing transfer is currently the £53million that Man City paid to sign Matheus Nunes last year, and now they want £7million more to let Neto leave.

That would make him Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever behind Alexander Isak, while the Telegraph note that Man City are also keen.

Newcastle’s second problem regarding Pedro Neto

Wolves’ asking price has to be a problem for Newcastle, while the Magpies also have another concern regarding Neto.

The Telegraph state that Toon officials are worried about Neto’s injury record, as they weigh up whether or not to sign him.

He is an ‘incredible‘ player, but staying fit has been an issue for Neto. And that is not what Newcastle need after a season that has been derailed by injuries. The Magpies have had so many casualties, with eight senior player missing more than 20 games due to injury.

Neto has also missed a lot of games this season, and fitness has been a consistent issue for him during his last three seasons.

How Neto compares to Newcastle’s other wingers

But while Neto has struggled to stay fit, he has not struggled on the pitch when he has been available.

Wolves’ number seven enjoyed a strong 2023/24 campaign, boasting nine Premier League assists. That is the same amount as James Maddison and Bukayo Saka, while it is only bettered by one Newcastle player – Anthony Gordon (10).

When you compare Neto to Newcastle’s other wingers, it is easy to see why the Magpies are considering signing him.

Statistically, Murphy comes out alright when you compare him to Neto. However, it is a different story for Almiron. Neto has 11 goal contributions in 20 Premier League appearances, while Miggy only managed four in 33 games.

In terms of numbers, Neto would be a good recruit for Newcastle. But his injury record is alarming, as is his asking price.