Five transfers that could follow Ekitike at Newcastle
Suraj Radia
- 1 Jun 2022 16:24 CDT
- 4 min read
Newcastle are set to make their first signing of the summer, with Reims wonderkid Hugo Ekitike close to joining the club on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old scored ten goals in his first full season in Ligue 1 and it appears the English side have beaten the likes of Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain to his signing.
Ekitike rejected a move to St James' Park in January, choosing instead to see out the season in France, but Newcastle are close to finalising negotiations for a fee of around £25 million plus bonuses.
The arrival of Ekitike will could mark the first major summer arrival under Newcastle's new owners and FootballTransfers takes a look at which other players could join the Saudi revolution.
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Dean Henderson (Manchester United)
Newcastle are looking for a long-term successor to goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and had lined up a move for Dean Henderson in January, however the transfer with Manchester United fell through.
However, Henderson is still keen on the move and the two clubs are still in negotiations, although it is unclear whether it would be a permanent deal or a loan.
The transfer could include Magpies backup keeper Karl Darlow who could move to Old Trafford to replace Henderson as David De Gea's understudy.
Lucas Paqueta (Lyon)
Newcastle signed Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaeres from Lyon in January and the Magpies could return to the French side to bring his counterpart Lucas Paqueta to England.
Paqueta enjoys a close friendship with Bruno and flew to Newcastle last month to visit him as well as posting on social media about watching the club's games.
The attacking midfielder was one of Lyon's standout performers last season and could demand a fee of more than £50m for the 24-year-old.
Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid)
Newcastle have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid's Renan Lodi as their primary target at left-back and could sign the Brazilian for around €35m.
Aston Villa's Matt Targett had spent the second half of the season on loan at St James' Park and is keen on making the move permanent but Newcastle prefer a more attacking option.
Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)
Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby scored 13 goals and grabbed 12 assists in the Bundesliga this season prompting Newcastle to target him as their marquee summer signing.
Leverkusen are reluctant to sell a player that has three years remaining on his contract and would command a club record fee in excess of £50m.
Diaby has been capped five times by the French national team and could be interested in a Premier League move in order to boost his chances of going to the World Cup.
Sven Botman (Lille)
Lille centre-back Sven Botman was Newcastle's number one defensive target in January, however the French side refused to sell their key defender mid-season, turning down bids of more than £30m.
Botman was rumoured to be close to a move to Milan however their interest has cooled since the end of the season, allowing Newcastle to make a fresh approach for the 22-year-old.
The club are still keen on signing the Dutchman and may act fast in order to beat other sides to the punch.
