Newcastle United deliberating over late move for £20m star to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad

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Newcastle United could still make a first-team signing before the transfer window closes.

Signings have been non-existent at Newcastle United during the winter window. A lot of that can be put down to PSR which has been a problem at the club for the last 12 months at least.

Newcastle have tried to be active in the transfer market, even Toon boss Eddie Howe has previously said that he would like to have at least one new face join the club to avoid things going ‘stale’.

It looked like Newcastle were signing Abdukodir Khusanov. Ultimately, he joined Manchester City. Khusanov’s agent confirmed Newcastle’s PSR problems stopped them from signing him.

Newcastle fans have slated sporting director Paul Mitchell because of the club’s lack of transfer activity which could affect their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

While fans have been disappointed in a lack of signings, Newcastle could still make a late move for a Ligue 1 star who has been told he can leave his club.

Newcastle United eyeing move for Rayan Cherki

Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki has been on Newcastle’s radar for a long time. The Magpies’ interest in the 21-year-old goes back to 2023 when Dan Ashworth wanted Cherki to add more creativity to Howe’s midfield.

So far this season, Cherki has 13 goal involvements in 25 games across all competitions including two goals in the Europa League.

In 2025, the club are still a big admirer of Cherki who has been called ‘gifted’ in the past.

Lyon are in a dire financial situation and needs to raise a significant amount of money to avoid their provisional relegation to Ligue 2. Newcastle can sign Cherki for just £18.6m which is considered an ‘absolute bargain’ for a player of his quality.

Now according to GiveMeSport, Newcastle are one of several Premier League sides that are being ‘kept in the loop’ over a move for the Olympic Medalist.

With the transfer window closing on Monday, Newcastle are now deliberating whether to make a late approach for Cherki.

Eddie Howe’s concerns about signing Rayan Cherki

Newcastle have a fresh transfer plan in place – sign younger players from abroad. While he fits the bill, Howe is not fully sold on Cherki.

The interest comes more from Mitchell’s side. The club’s sporting director has experience working in France so he likely has an idea of what Cherki is capable of with the right management.

If Newcastle are to make signings before the deadline, it must be a signing that Howe is convinced will improve his squad.

There was an evident lack of attacking options on the bench during Newcastle’s defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

Fans will now feel as if Newcastle must sign an attacker to give them the biggest chance possible to qualify for European football.