When rumours of PIF buying Newcastle United first emerged, some incredible names were linked with moves to Tyneside.
Given the wealth of PIF, there was tongue-in-cheek talk of Kylian Mbappe joining Newcastle United, while any big name in need of a new club was seemingly on the Magpies’ radar.
However, those names disappeared in 2020 when the PIF takeover collapsed. And as the takeover collapsed in July, so did PIF’s summer transfer plans.
PIF wanted to sign Victor Osimhen in 2020
During the summer of 2020, Mike Ashley’s Newcastle brought in the likes of Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick and Mark Gillespie.
However, it could have been very different had PIF been in place to splash the cash.
It was reported in 2020 by the Chronicle that the eventual Newcastle owners were looking at possible summer deals for the likes of Ferran Torres, Nathan Ake, Gareth Bale, Ciro Immobile and Victor Osimhen.
They were eyeing players that could transform Newcastle, but had to wait until 2021 before they eventually got the keys to St James’ Park.
Newcastle could be offered Victor Osimhen
By October 2021, Newcastle’s priorities had changed, as they searched for players who could help the club avoid relegation.
But now with 2025 looming, the Magpies could be handed the opportunity to sign one of PIF’s first ever Toon transfer targets.
It has been reported by the Chronicle that Newcastle will be offered the chance to sign Osimhen from Napoli next summer. They state that Newcastle have been identified by the 25-year-old’s representatives as a club who might be interested.
The Nigerian striker is currently on loan at Galatasaray, after summer transfers to Chelsea and Al-Ahli collapsed.
Osimhen has scored eight goals in nine games for the Turkish club, but is unlikely to join Galatasaray permanently due to financial reasons.
That could create an opportunity for Newcastle to sign a striker in 2025 who Gianfranco Zola once described as ‘devastating‘.
Newcastle transfer would depend on Alexander Isak
While PIF might get a fresh chance to bring Osimhen to St James’ Park, that may all depend on what happens with Newcastle’s current main man up front.
The player in question is Alexander Isak, who is back to his best after a slow start to the season.
However, there has been speculation surrounding his future, with contract talks between Newcastle and Isak stalling. It has even been reported that Isak could leave Newcastle if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.
That feels like scaremongering right now, but there will be concerns over Isak’s Toon career if the Magpies are not back in Europe for the 2025/26 season.
If the worst were to happen and the 25-year-old did leave, Osimhen would be a blockbuster replacement.
However, that is pure fantasy right now, just like it was in 2020 when the PIF takeover had not even gone through.
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