The buzz around Newcastle United’s transfer activity is always palpable, isn’t it?

And while the rumour mill churns out a constant stream of names, there’s a growing feeling that the next shrewd addition to Eddie Howe’s exciting side could come in the form of a dynamic winger.

Whispers from the Netherlands are increasingly pointing towards PSV Eindhoven’s Belgian international, Johan Bakayoko, a player whose on-field data suggests he could bring a genuine spark to the Newcastle attack.

A closer look at Johan Bakayoko

At just 22, Bakayoko has become a real standout in the Eredivisie, and it’s not just the eye-catching moments of brilliance that are turning heads. Dig into the numbers, courtesy of the data gurus at FBref.com, and a compelling picture emerges of a winger perfectly suited to inject pace and directness into Newcastle’s forward line.

Consider this: Bakayoko averages a remarkable 4.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, a figure that places him in the top 10% of wingers in the entire Eredivisie. This isn’t just about fancy footwork for the sake of it; it highlights his exceptional ability to beat his man and create openings in tight areas – a quality Newcastle could certainly utilise when facing stubborn defences.

Furthermore, his 6.8 progressive carries per 90 minutes put him in the top 5% of wingers in the league. This statistic underscores his relentless drive to take the ball forward, to break lines and get his team into dangerous attacking positions. It’s the kind of directness that can transform a team’s attacking intent and inject a real sense of urgency into their play.

But it’s not just about getting into promising positions; Bakayoko also shows a keenness to test the opposition goalkeeper. His 3.1 shots per 90 minutes demonstrate a confidence and willingness to take on responsibility in the final third. While not every shot will find the back of the net, this volume of attempts suggests a player who isn’t afraid to make things happen.

That attacking intent is further supported by his 4.8 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. This metric encompasses the various ways a player contributes to a shot attempt, whether through dribbles, passes, or winning free-kicks. Bakayoko’s high number here indicates his significant involvement in generating attacking opportunities for PSV.

And while raw talent is exciting, the modern game demands an end product. On this front, Bakayoko’s stats are also encouraging. His 0.4 assists per 90 minutes showcase his ability to not just create chances for himself but also to provide for his teammates. This suggests a player with good vision and the composure to deliver the final ball.

Finally, his 5.5 touches in the penalty area per 90 minutes highlight his tendency to get into dangerous scoring positions. This isn’t just a winger who stays out wide; he actively looks to penetrate the box and get on the end of crosses or cutbacks.

Could it happen?

He certainly appears to be ‘one to watch’, as The Telegraph reported earlier this year that all members of Newcastle’s recruitment team were big fans, but that a January move could prove too costly; and so it did.

Reports from the Netherlands suggest PSV are bracing themselves for potential offers, and a fee in the region of £35-£45 million is being mooted.

While a significant outlay, the data clearly points to a player with the raw attributes and developing end product to make a real impact in the Premier League.

Imagine Bakayoko linking up with the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, adding another layer of pace and unpredictability to Newcastle’s attack. His statistical profile suggests he has the dynamism and directness to thrive in Eddie Howe’s high-energy system.

Of course, statistics don’t tell the whole story, and adapting to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League will be a challenge. But the underlying numbers for Johan Bakayoko paint a compelling picture of a talented winger with the key attributes that Newcastle United are likely looking for as they continue their ambitious journey.

This could be more than just a rumour; the data suggests it could be a very smart piece of business indeed.