The two European wingers Newcastle United are eyeing instead of Johan Bakayoko
Newcastle United desperately need to sign a right winger during the January transfer window.
It was a priority for Newcastle United during the summer of 2024, but Eddie Howe was unable to strengthen his attack. Newcastle made a late bid for Anthony Elanga, but could not strike a deal.
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It was then reported that Newcastle would prioritise signing a winger in January, only for PSR to scupper those plans.
However, it is becoming more and more evident that Eddie Howe needs reinforcements. Harvey Barnes is injured, while Miguel Almiron is set to be sold.
The Newcastle United manager’s options are limited, at a time when his side are competing on three fronts.
Newcastle United have looked at Ernest Nuamah and Baris Alper Yilmaz
Ernest Nuamah of Olympique Lyonnais is seen in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Olympique Lyonnais and B…
Photo by Simone Arveda – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Time is running out for Newcastle United to strengthen their squad, but there are still options available to Paul Mitchell and co.
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about two possible candidates that Newcastle United have looked at in recent months.
“Ernest Nuamah has been on Newcastle’s radar,” he said.
“I don’t think they have progressed it recently, but he is available this month. I don’t think he is top of the list by any stretch of the imagination, but he is one who Newcastle have admired. They still like him, but the problem is he is more of a work in progress, rather than someone who could hit the ground running.”
While Bailey is not sure if Lyon winger Nuamah is ready to have an immediate impact at St James’ Park, he believes it could be ‘different’ for Baris Alper Yilmaz. He has caught Newcastle’s eye, with Newcastle scouts watching Yilmaz.
“Yilmaz is different,” he said.
“He’s a fascinating player. I think he ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle. He can play anywhere across the front three and is a very clever footballer. He’s a good age.
“The belief is that you could get him for £30million or less this month. Galatasaray are willing to do a deal. He’s an interesting one to keep an eye on. Nottingham Forest have looked and there are others in the Premier League too. He’s a name that I think will come up in the final days of the window. But I think he is a consideration for Newcastle. I think he could make an impact, and he offers that versatility.”
Fresh transfer interest in Johan Bakayoko
Whether or not Newcastle United do make a move for either of those players remains to be seen. In truth, it feels unlikely.
Meanwhile, there are two targets who are definitely not Toon bound during the current January transfer window.
Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s dream signing, while Johan Bakayoko has also been linked with Eddie Howe’s side.
However, Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that the Belgium international is now a target for Champions League giants Borussia Dortmund.
“The likes of Bakayoko and Mbeumo are out of the window [for Newcastle],” he said.
“Bakayoko is currently of interest to Dortmund I’m told.”