As ever with certain reports that circulate online, it’s tough to know if they carry genuine truth or are nothing more than stabs in the dark to generate clicks.
Today we’ve seen a big ‘exclusive’ from Football Insider – a transfer site with a very mixed track record – who report that Newcastle United are ‘closing in on the signing’ of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
They report that we’ve already ‘agreed personal terms’ with the 22-year-old, claiming he’s now our preferred target and the ‘most likely’ to sign of the club’s right-wing targets.
This isn’t the first time Madueke has been linked with a summer move to St James’ Park, with The Athletic regularly reporting that the former PSV star has been discussed in recruitment meetings. Mark Douglas at the i also reported last month that he was a leading target after we missed out on Michael Olise.
Football Insider state that Chelsea are looking to make a profit on the wide man after spending £29m on the England U21 star 18 months ago. He enjoyed an impressive end to the 2023/24 season under Mauricio Pochettino, ending the season with five goal involvements in their final nine games, but it remains to be seen if he’ll feature in Enzo Maresca’s plans.
He ticks boxes as a young, left-footed right-winger with pace, Premier League experience and potential to grow under Eddie Howe, but time will tell if there’s truth to these big claims being made.
If we can get him for under 40 m it will be very decent business given what you’d likely need to spend on someone like an Mbuemo for example. Mbuemo has shown he can score and assist consistently of course, so that’s what you’re paying for, but Madueke has the potential to be as good and indeed better than Mbuemo, and is a couple of years younger.
Kevin McLaughlin(Quote)
I’m interested as to why this transfer rumour is any more ‘dubious’ than every other of the many transfer rumours you’ve been happy to article so far this summer?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Our specialists are on with the transfers, all these so called experts and pundits know nowts just putting all the players out there, they will bound to get one right? Just be patient, the new players will soon be standing with the scarf and top on the pitch. Hwtl
Kiddafromthetoon(Quote)
I know a journalist that used to work for a news outlet that the author of Football Insider’s article also used to write for. He told me that said writer would openly publish stories that carried no truth to get clicks.
This ‘journalist’ may have changed, but a tiny fraction of his exclusives ever come off. He has a history and so do Football Insider.
There’s a huge difference between what he reports and someone like David Ornstein at The Athletic or Keith Downie at Sky Sports. But hey, what do I know.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
If you look at Gordon’s Everton stats (78 apps, 7 goals, 8 assists) vs Madueke at Chelsea (46 apps, 9 goals, 3 assists) it makes for very promising reading, especially when you consider Madueke is a year younger than Gordon!
If Eddie could do to Madueke what he’s done to Gordon, we’d have one hell of a player on our hands. Although the source on this one is questionable, the rumour has been floating around all summer so there may be something in it. Personally, I hope we sign him. Especially if he’s costing less or the same as Gordon did!
Ian(Quote)
It looks like we are closing in on an unbelievable right winger who
scored 5 goals and 3 assists last season.
The top 6 clubs must be quivering in their boots.
Roger James Brickell(Quote)
I have 3 players I’d like to see as our RW option and this lad is one of them
I have always said first choice would be Mbuemo but I’m not so sure about that anymore.
The 2 things he has going against him is afcon and price, I say price as I find it hard that Brentford will part esp. as they will lose Toney unless it’s a stupid price.
my preferred choice now would be Elanga or this kid I’m surprised we’re not in for Chalobah either touted at 30m for me a no brainer at that price.
Porkpie(Quote)