Eddie Howe has concerns over £18m attacker Paul Mitchell is interested in signing for Newcastle
Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell must be aligned on Newcastle United’s transfer targets.
Despite their initial issues, Howe and Mitchell are now collaborating on Newcastle’s transfer plans, as they aim to work together and improve a squad that needs reinforcements.
However, that is not easy due to the financial restrictions of PSR. Newcastle are unlikely to sign anyone this month, despite the looming departure of Miguel Almiron.
There are players on Newcastle’s radar in case an opportunity arises. However, one of the options being considered by the club is not universally loved.
Newcastle United’s Rayan Cherki transfer stance
Rayan Cherki of Lyon runs in the field during the Ligue 1 McDonald’s match between Lyon and Toulouse at Groupama Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Lyo…
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
It was reported in late 2024 that Newcastle have been watching Rayan Cherki at Lyon.
That excited Toon fans, as Cherki is the type of player that supporters would love to watch inside St James’ Park. He is a maverick, while he will also not cost a fortune due to Lyon’s financial situation. It has been reported that Lyon will sell Cherki for around £18million.
However, a report from Give Me Sport suggests that Newcastle United are not fully convinced about the idea of bringing the 21-year-old attacker to Tyneside.
According to Give Me Sport, Paul Mitchell has some interest in Cherki, despite being unsure whether or not he would fit in with the rest of the Newcastle United squad.
From the manager’s perspective, Give Me Sport report that Eddie Howe is not necessarily interested in bringing the Frenchman to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United will not deviate from transfer plan
If Howe and Mitchell are not in agreement then the transfer should not go ahead.
While Cherki is very talented and available at a good price, it feels as if neither of the Toon chiefs are totally convinced by him.
Signing him would be a risk, and it is a risk they are probably reluctant to take in the world of PSR. Instead, Newcastle will most likely wait until the summer to sign an attacker that they are convinced will succeed in black and white.
There will be deals that Newcastle need to take risks on, but this is perhaps not one of them. While that could be a mistake in the short-term, it will be much more beneficial long-term.
And that is what Newcastle United are focussed on right now when it comes to recruitment – the bigger picture.
