Newcastle United target named one of the closest players to Kevin de Bruyne and he’s only 19

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Newcastle United remain in the race to sign a talented attacking midfielder when the summer transfer window opens.

Recent transfer windows have been a frustrating time for Newcastle United fans – and for Eddie Howe – with the Magpies unfortunately shackled by Profit and Sustainability Rules.

In order to avoid a potential PSR breach, Newcastle decided against bringing in any new signings in January but it should free up a big summer budget for Paul Mitchell next time around.

There are three positions Newcastle want to improve in 2025 after failing to sign a right winger and centre-back in the past two windows.

They have been the two priority positions over the past 12 months, but Newcastle could also invest in their midfield options in the summer, and one young target stands out.

Newcastle United linked to Ibrahim Maza

Hertha Berlin star Ibrahim Maza has been shining in Germany and attracting the attention of several Premier League clubs.

Newcastle were linked with a move for Maza in the lead-up to the January transfer window, but the 19-year-old was always more likely to move on in the summer.

Reports claim Newcastle are willing to pay £17m for Maza after sending scouts to watch him in action in Germany.

Maza has scored seven goals and made four assists in all competitions this season, and Newcastle are eager to add him to a growing list of exciting young talents on Tyneside.

Hertha Berlin’s director ruled out a January move, but Newcastle could reignite interest in the summer.

Ibrahim Maza compared to Kevin de Bruyne

Eddie Howe has found a wonderful balance in midfield this season with Sandro Tonali dropping deeper to allow free-roaming roles for Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.

However, with Howe forced to sell Elliot Anderson in the summer, one profile of player that Newcastle are missing is a creative, attack-minded player who can frequently unlock defences.

That is precisely where Maza thrives. A report from CIES Football Observatory has compiled a list of players with similar features to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

Maza ranks fifth on that list, but interestingly he is also the youngest option at 19 years old.

The report compares six areas of performance to that of De Bruyne, who has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders of all time.