Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have been left licking their wounds after Liverpool hijacked their move for Osasuna winger Victor Muñoz at the eleventh hour.
The Magpies were understood to have agreed a fee and personal terms with the 22-year-old, but just as happened on several occasions last summer, they were gazumped by a ‘Big Six’ side, with Muñoz now putting the finishing touches to a move to Anfield.
The former Real Madrid youngster had been lined up as Anthony Gordon’s replacement following the England international’s move to Barcelona earlier this summer, but Newcastle must now return to the drawing board in their search for a new left winger.
United have other targets for the position after detailed conversations between sporting director Ross Wilson, Eddie Howe and the club’s recruitment and data teams. With that in mind, Chronicle Live has taken a look at some possible alternatives Newcastle could turn to next.
Abde Ezzalzouli
Chronicle Live understands Newcastle scouts attended a couple of Real Betis matches earlier this year, with Morocco international Abde Ezzalzouli among the players they were closely monitoring.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Hércules before earning a move to Barcelona in 2021. Two years later, he joined Real Betis, where he has established himself as one of La Liga’s most exciting wide attackers.
He enjoyed an impressive campaign last season and played an integral role in Manuel Pellegrini’s side securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Ezzalzouli is believed to have a £51 million release clause and is expected to attract significant interest during the summer transfer window. He is currently recovering from a knee injury, although it is not thought to be serious enough to disrupt his preparations for pre-season.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
The Lille forward can operate anywhere across the front line, and his performances in France have earned him a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad.
Having come through the academy at Gent, Fernandez-Pardo established himself in Belgian football before securing a move to Lille, where he has rapidly developed into one of Ligue 1’s brightest young attacking talents.
He scored eight goals and provided seven assists last season to help Lille qualify for the Champions League, but manager Bruno Genesio believes there is still much more to come.
> “He is still far away from what he can do because he has qualities way above the average,” Genesio said. “I can see that it is a lot better in terms of his commitment to the team. I see a lot of improvement in his game without the ball, in terms of his runs and his defensive effort.
> “He is on the right path. He knows it and we all have confidence in him. But naturally, we are always more demanding with people who have such potential.”
Fernandez-Pardo also impressed from the bench in Belgium’s opening World Cup draw with Egypt and is reportedly attracting interest from Aston Villa.
Antonio Nusa
Anyone watching the World Cup will have been impressed by Antonio Nusa’s dazzling display in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq.
The 21-year-old has taken his game to another level since joining RB Leipzig from Club Brugge. Blessed with electric pace, excellent balance and outstanding dribbling ability, he has become one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.
With three years remaining on his contract, any deal is unlikely to come cheaply, but Newcastle have admired the Norwegian for some time. Previously scouted by Barcelona, Nusa has the potential to develop into one of Europe’s elite wide forwards.
Bazoumana Touré
Bazoumana Touré is another player with enormous potential after making a huge impact in Germany following his move from Hammarby to Hoffenheim last summer.
The 20-year-old Ivory Coast international scored five goals and registered 12 assists as Hoffenheim secured Europa League qualification, before carrying that form into the World Cup with another eye-catching display in his country’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Touré is also admired by Liverpool and Manchester United, with reports suggesting Hoffenheim would demand around £43 million to part with one of their brightest young stars.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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