Newcastle willing to pay £17m to sign ‘jewel’ after scouts are spotted watching him in action

Add as preferred source on Google

Reports from Germany suggest Newcastle United are preparing a £17m signing for 2025.

Newcastle United will be keen to strengthen in January after a very disappointing summer transfer window.

There have been mixed reports about the size of Newcastle’s budget amid ongoing issues with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, but a £65m bid for Marc Guehi in the summer proved there is money there to spend – even if it is followed by sales.

It is no secret that Newcastle want to sign a winger in 2025, while a top-class centre-back is also high on the priority list.

But fresh reports have linked Newcastle with the versatile Ibrahim Maza, who has popped up on the radar of seven Premier League clubs.

Newcastle keen to win race for Ibrahim Maza

Earlier this month, Newcastle were linked with a move for Maza with the 19-year-old playmaker very likely to move on from Hertha Berlin if they fail to achieve promotion.

Maza is a versatile playmaker able to play in an advanced midfield role, out wide on the wing or even as a striker. He ticks a few boxes for Newcastle.

He has already scored five goals and assisted three times in 15 appearances this season and he has caught the eye of multiple Premier League clubs.

According to German outlet Bild, Brentford, Fulham, West Ham, Leicester, Wolves and Southampton are also showing an interest in Maza alongside Newcastle.

However, the report suggests Newcastle are “particularly keen” on Maza, who is described as a “playmaker jewel”.

It adds that Newcastle are “willing” to pay around €20million (£17m) to win the race for Maza’s signature in January.

How would Ibrahim Maza fit into Newcastle’s starting XI

It has become very clear that the transfer strategy at Newcastle is to invest in young, promising players who Eddie Howe can work with and develop into stars.

It seems Newcastle have identified Maza as a future star and a deal could be struck as soon as January.

However, he faces a difficult task to break into Howe’s starting XI at St James’ Park. Howe admits that central midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position and Maza would have to compete with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali for a starting spot there.

READ MORE: Manchester United are now talking about a move for ‘amazing’ player Newcastle want

However, he has also impressed out wide and in a striker role and that is likely where he would be utilised by Howe. Newcastle desperately need better quality and depth in the right-wing position and Maza could slot in there.

Also, with Callum Wilson linked with a Newcastle exit, Maza could provide back-up to Alexander Isak up front.