Newcastle have a perfect opportunity to sign their answer to Bukayo Saka

Robin Bairner

• 11 May 2024 21:45 BST
• 16 min read

Newcastle’s transfer window promises to be one that is delicately navigated, with the danger of the club being forced to sell one of their key players to satisfy the Premier League's financial criteria.

Alexander Isak has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park in the summer, although the club are adamant the Sweden star will not be sold, while there is the lingering danger of a club such as Arsenal or PSG meeting Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause.

But that does not mean to say there are not some interesting opportunities out there on the market for Eddie Howe’s side.

READ MORE: Latest Newcastle transfer rumours

Step forward Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz, who netted twice for Los Blancos as they dismantled Granada 4-0 away from home on Saturday.

The Spaniard is set to be collateral damage in the summer to the influx of players at the Bernabeu, and most notably the arrival of Kylian Mbappe from PSG. The emergence of Arda Guler will not play into his hands either.

Diaz has played the role of luxury replacement for Real Madrid in an exemplary fashion this season, but his opportunities are set to be even more restricted next season. He might have appeared in 42 games, but he has completed 90 minutes only once this season – against Arandina in the Copa del Rey.

READ MORE: European Golden Shoe 2023/24: Who is Europe’s leading striker?

Newcastle a smart move for Diaz

Chances for the 24-year-old are likely to be even fewer next season, and if a move does not seem like an ideal solution for him now, it might in six or 12 months.

According to SciSports’ Career Advice tool, Diaz would be well advised to look at Newcastle as a potential destination.

The Magpies get a Club Fit score of 74, which is based around various factors from development and game time to playing style and formation.

This is a better score than Madrid earn. Los Blancos get a rating of just 69, with playing time and playing style counting against them in particular.

Newcastle, meanwhile, can offer Diaz more time on the pitch as well as good development opportunities. Their system, though, is considered to be a weakness.

Nevertheless, the Premier League club rate third highest for a player with an Estimated Transfer Value of €35 million, putting him well inside their anticipated transfer budget.

Current ETV

Brahim Díaz

AM (CR)

Real Madrid

Brahim Díaz

AM (CR)

Real Madrid

€36.4M

ETV Range

€27.3M - €45.4M

View full profile

Diaz, meanwhile, is considered a highly similar player to the likes of Bukayo Saka or Arsenal, Jack Grealish of Manchester City and even Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, according to the data analytics experts.

Indeed, he has been one of the leading wingers in LaLiga. His problem is that he has the likes of Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde and, to a lesser extent, Jude Bellingham in front of him. And this is before Mbappe arrives.

Playing style comparison: Brahim Diaz vs Bukayo Saka

Diaz vs LaLiga wingers: 2023/24

A player with high performance on crossing, dribbling and finishing, the Malaga-born attacker would get Newcastle fans out of their seats and would be a thrilling addition to Howe’s squad.

That he would fit neatly into the team is only a further bonus.