Florian Wirtz is one of the most in demand teenagers in world football, and Newcastle United have their eye on him.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that Newcastle admire Bayer Leverkusen’s superstar playmaker Wirtz.
The 19-year-old has recently recovered from a horrific knee injury, and is already looking back to his best. He has only made eight Bundesliga appearances this season, but already has four assists.
Wirtz has impressed in Europe too, providing three goal contributions in the recent Europa League win over Monaco. Since returning after rupturing his cruciate ligament, the youngster has got seven goal contributions in 10 appearances.
He has bounced back brilliantly since getting back to full fitness, and looks very much the same player he was when he first burst onto the scene.
Newcastle are admiring him, much like plenty of other clubs across Europe. The likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City have been linked.
And this isn’t the first time that Wirtz has been on the Magpies’ radar.
Newcastle linked with Florian Wirtz shortly after PIF takeover
In October 2021, it was reported that Newcastle had scouted Wirtz. This was shortly after the takeover went through, at a time when the rumour mill was going into overdrive.
It never felt like a move for Wirtz was possible, given where we were at the time. Despite the positivity around the club after PIF bought out Mike Ashley, there was still a possibility of relegation.
And with major clubs looking also looking at Wirtz, there was no reason to believe that the Magpies stood a chance.
But now it is 2023, and Newcastle are a different beast. We are contenders for Europe, and could be playing Champions League football next season. That would make us appealing to a player like Wirtz, who has exactly what we are looking for in a creative midfielder.
He would be a better signing than James Maddison
It is widely reported that Newcastle want to sign James Maddison from Leicester. He was a target last summer and in January, and is expected to be on the Magpies’ radar once again. It has even been claimed that Newcastle are confident they will sign him.
Maddison has the talent to be a difference maker in midfield for Newcastle. He can cut open defences with his vision and technical ability, creating chances galore for his Leicester teammates.
That attribute would make him great for Howe’s side, who are currently struggling for goals. Maddison also knows where the back of the net is himself, with the 26-year-old boasting nine goals so far this season.
Fans are buzzing about the prospect of the England international moving to St James’ Park, but Wirtz would be an even better signing.
While Maddison is already a proven Premier League talent, Wirtz has the world at his feet. In the words of Hansi Flick, he is already the ‘complete package‘.
Wirtz is seven years younger than Maddison, which is a big reason why he would be a better buy. He has a longer shelf life, and would be a much shrewder investment – even if he does cost more.
Howe wants a midfielder who can score and create, and has found that in Maddison. But he has also found it in Wirtz, who got 24 goal contributions last season before his horrific injury.
The Germany international has the potential to become a world class talent, and could strengthen the growing spine at Newcastle United. Dan Ashworth is always thinking long-term, and that is why there should be a real temptation to opt for Wirtz over Maddison.
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