Newcastle United’s search for a right-back continues, and the Magpies are now reportedly showing an interest in Malo Gusto from Lyon.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who believe that Eddie Howe’s side have joined Manchester United in the race to sign the 19-year-old defender.
The Magpies have been linked with various young right-backs heading into January, as Dan Ashworth looks to bring in a young understudy to Kieran Trippier.
Harrison Ashby, Cody Drameh and Ivan Fresneda have all been mentioned in the gossip columns, and now Gusto has entered the conversation – a French teenager who made his Lyon debut back in January 2021 when he was just 17.
Interestingly, his debut came when he replaced Bruno Guimaraes, who is now Newcastle United’s talisman in the middle of the park.
The Brazilian left Lyon for Newcastle in January 2022, and now his former teammate Gusto could make the same move in 2023.
Newcastle interested in Malo Gusto
If Newcastle are to sign Gusto next year, it is going to take a similar fee to the one they paid for Bruno. He cost £35million, and that is how much the Daily Mail believe Gusto will cost.
The report adds that Lyon want £35million to sell the right-back in January, which will be enough to put Manchester United off until the summer.
That could give Newcastle a clear run at Gusto – although it is a lot of money to spend on what will effectively be a benchwarmer to begin with.
For all of Gusto’s talent and potential, he is not going to replace Trippier right now. The 32-year-old is one of Howe’s most important players, and has been arguably the best right-back in the entire Premier League this season.
Newcastle are planning ahead by targeting someone who can replace Trippier in the future, but whoever does join will have to spend a period of time out of the side and acting as deputy to the England international.
Signing Gusto for £35million would make him an expensive backup, but he is certainly someone who could have an incredibly bright future at St James’ Park.
The youngster has a lot of senior experience despite his age, boasting 46 appearances in Ligue 1 since his debut at the beginning of 2021.
He is an excellent crosser of the ball, which could make him a great replacement for Trippier. His delivery from out wide has made Newcastle so dangerous down the right, and Gusto could have a similar impact in the future.
In Ligue 1 this season, no player has put more crosses into the penalty area than Gusto. He has 23, nine more than Franck Honorat in second place. That is also more than Trippier, who has 16 – the second highest tally in the Premier League.
Newcastle need their Trippier replacement to boast similar qualities, and Gusto appears to fit the bill. He is incredibly dangerous out wide, and has the potential to follow in Trippier’s footsteps at St James’ Park in the future.
But whether or not the Magpies are keen to spend £35million on someone who won’t be a starter for at least a few years remains to be seen.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
