Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United could be preparing for one final push in the transfer market, with the club reportedly working on two attacking deals that could bring a major boost to Matthias Jaissle’s squad before the summer window closes.
The Magpies have already been extremely active this summer, most recently completing the signing of Nico González from Manchester City in a deal worth around £52 million. González became Newcastle’s seventh senior signing of the window, adding further quality and experience to a midfield that has undergone significant changes.
However, the recruitment work may not be finished just yet.
Newcastle’s search for another attacking player has intensified in the final days of the window, and reports now suggest that two names are firmly in the club’s sights.
One of the deals concerns a highly-rated young attacker from France who has attracted considerable attention across Europe. Newcastle have already made an approach for him, and despite complications surrounding the asking price, the club have not completely abandoned the possibility of getting the deal over the line.
That player is Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Newcastle’s key targets for the closing stages of the window. Reports earlier this week indicated that Newcastle had made a formal offer, while Lille have subsequently taken the unusual step of excluding the youngster from first-team training until the end of the transfer window.
That development could potentially give Newcastle encouragement.
There have been conflicting reports over the exact valuation, with Lille reportedly demanding a significantly higher figure than Newcastle have so far been prepared to pay. Yet the situation remains one to watch, particularly with the player understood to be open to the possibility of moving to St James’ Park.
And Newcastle may now have another option.
The second player is Bilal El Khannouss, the Morocco international currently with VfB Stuttgart.
Newcastle have reportedly revived their interest in the attacking midfielder as they continue looking for an additional creative option. Recent reports suggest the player is also open to a move to Tyneside, while Newcastle have begun exploring what it would take to bring him to England.
Interestingly, this does not necessarily mean one target has replaced the other.
Reports indicate that Newcastle are hoping to finish the window with two attacking additions, with both Fernandez-Pardo and El Khannouss understood to be interested in the possibility of working under Jaissle.
That would represent a huge statement from the club.
Newcastle have already strengthened several areas of the squad this summer, and adding two more attacking players at this stage would give Jaissle even greater options heading into the season.
The timing is also significant.
With the transfer deadline rapidly approaching, negotiations are entering the stage where clubs have little room for mistakes. Newcastle now have to decide whether to push harder for Fernandez-Pardo, move decisively for El Khannouss, or somehow attempt to get both deals done.
For supporters, the possibility of seeing both players arrive before the window closes would provide an enormous boost.
Fernandez-Pardo offers versatility and attacking potential, while El Khannouss would bring creativity, technical quality and experience from both European and international football.
Newcastle’s summer business could therefore be heading towards a dramatic conclusion.
The club may have already made several major additions, but if the latest developments are anything to go by, the final chapter of the summer transfer window could still contain two very big surprises.
And if Newcastle somehow manage to welcome both players to St James’ Park, it could be the clearest indication yet that the club intends to enter the new campaign with a significantly stronger attacking group.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
