Newcastle United now make transfer U-turn after rejecting Takefusa Kubo deal

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Much has been made about Newcastle United’s attempts to sign a new right-winger.

For all of the on-field success Newcastle are enjoying right now, it would be reactive to suggest Eddie Howe does not need reinforcements at some point.

Indeed, while not to overlook Jacob Murphy’s contribution this season, it would not be ridiculous to say the club could feasibly sign an upgrade on the right wing.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	ArsenalArsenal	21	12	7	2	41	19	22	43
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	21	12	5	4	30	20	10	41
4	NewcastleNewcastle	21	11	5	5	37	22	15	38
5	ChelseaChelsea	21	10	7	4	41	26	15	37
6	Man CityManchester City	21	10	5	6	38	29	9	35

That is not to say Murphy cannot play a part in the squad but it’s clearly an area the club have looked at before.

Newcastle made an attempt to sign Anthony Elanga during the summer transfer window but failed in their pursuit. Still, it’s believed Newcastle are still looking to buy a new right-winger.

Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is understood to have been offered to the club, though such a move was rejected due to the finances involved.

Now, a fresh update from journalist Joel Bland on social media platform X has emerged.

Newcastle United in transfer U-turn after Takefusa Kubo development

Bland claims the club are now looking for a perhaps more traditional winger instead of a player who inverts.

Newcastle were understood to have initially targeted an inverted wide forward on the right but have now decided they would prefer a two-footed option who can take on his defender.

Though the decision not to move for Kubo was reportedly due to finances, perhaps the Japanese star just isn’t the profile of player Newcastle want at this stage.

The journalist also touts PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko as someone the club could look to target this summer.

Jacob Murphy has forced Newcastle United to shift transfer focus

Murphy generally operates as a more traditional type winger, rather than someone who inverts and cuts inside.

Howe has praised Murphy’s crossing ability, while Alan Shearer has waxed lyrical about the balance he brings.

With that in mind, moving for a similar type of player makes sense. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are in remarkable form right now, so why look to change the balance of the team?

It looks like a wise decision.