Newcastle urged to sign Barcelona target Zaha

Cameron Smith

• 8 Nov 2022 17:45 GMT
• 2 min read

Newcastle United have been urged by Rio Ferdinand to sign Barcelona target Wilfried Zaha in order to improve their forward line

Ferdinand, 44, believes that the Crystal Palace attacker would make a massive difference at St James' Park and has even admitted that selling Allan Saint-Maximin to allow space for Zaha would be a wise decision for the Magpies.

Zaha, 29, has less than a year left on his current deal at Selhurst Park, meaning he'll be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any interested parties from January onwards.

READ: Barcelona eye Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha in free transfer

Speaking on his Vibe With Five YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "If I am Newcastle, I would buy him [Zaha] straight off. I would take him, and I would sell Saint-Maximin. Or I would have them both. He scores more than Saint-Maximin. Keep Saint-Maximin or whatever, but Wilfried Zaha at Newcastle is a problem."

The Magpies are currently sitting in third place in the Premier League after a blistering start to the campaign, with just one defeat so far this term. That has happened despite injuries to Alexander Isak and the aforementioned Saint-Maximin, with Miguel Almorin picking up the baton and firing Eddie Howe's team into the Champions League places.

Despite their incredible form at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Ferdinand still believes there are areas of weakness in the squad and thinks that adding Zaha to the equation could make Newcastle even more dangerous.

READ: Newcastle’s January offer for Eden Hazard

The Ivorian has netted six goals and grabbed two assists in 12 Premier League appearances this season and has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace due to his contract scenario.

Despite rumours of a move away in years gone by, Zaha has stayed put in South London, but he may finally leave the club next summer.

Newcastle or Barcelona?

While the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with a move for Zaha, while Newcastle have been urged to sign him by Ferdinand, Barcelona are also in the running to sign the former Manchester United winger.

The Bluagrana already have a plethora of attacking talent at the club, but according to SPORT they are looking at the possibility of a shock move for Zaha.

Barcelona have utilised the free transfer market well in recent years and look keen on adding Zaha on a Bosman deal in 2023.