Newcastle turn to Belgian star as Toon eye at least one January signing - Report

After failing to make a significant first-team signing over the two transfer windows in 2024, January feels significant for Newcastle United, Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe's squad.

There's a feeling that our team has become a little stale and a new 'exclusive' from The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has issued an update on our transfer plans heading into the New Year.

With the arrival of a new right-winger top of our wanted list, he's revealed the Belgian star who could be one to watch as we approach the winter window.

Newcastle turn to PSV sensation?

According to Edwards' latest piece for The Telegraph, Newcastle are showing serious interest in Johan Bakayoko ahead of the January window, where the club plan to bring in 'at least one' new signing.

He reports that the PSV winger has 'featured prominently' in recent recruitment meetings, although it remains to be seen if a January deal will be feasible for the 21-year-old talent.

It's believed PSV are hugely reluctant to sell their star winger in the middle of the season, especially when the Belgian international has played a key role so far in their Eredivisie and Champions League campaigns, delivering six goals and three assists in all competitions so far.

Edwards reports that all members of Newcastle's recruitment committee are big fans of Bakayoko, who has been watched frequently by club scouts and a number of top European clubs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrBozc_3oKo&t=111s&ab_channel=FSKS

A shift in approach

As Edwards highlights in his piece, a move for Bakayoko would represent a slight switch in approach from a recruitment point of view, seeing us target exciting but unproven overseas talent over proven Premier League stars such as Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo; two targets who look set to cost too much this winter.

According to 'multiple sources' who have been in touch with The Telegraph, Paul Mitchell has been pushing the club to pursue overseas gems that offer more value for money that the big-money deals for 'established Premier League players' who are tough to sign when working within PSR restrictions.

It remains to be seen if we can pull off the signing of Bakayoko in January or must wait until the summer to potentially bring in the PSV star, but it's promising to hear that we are stepping up our plans for a crucial transfer window.