It has been reported that Newcastle’s January priority is to sign a winger, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen up the right of his attack – despite Jacob Murphy getting two assists during Newcastle’s defeat to Brentford.
While Murphy has done well since his return to the starting XI, he is not a long-term answer to Newcastle United’sproblem. That is why Newcastle want to sign a winger in January – if they can find a deal that is financially viable.
Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s top target, but he will likely be too expensive. The Magpies need to think outside the box, with Paul Mitchell keen for the club to tap into different markets.
Newcastle United scout Turkish attacker ahead of January transfer window
That has resulted in Newcastle United scouts travelling to Turkey, with TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that Toon officials watched Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz on Sunday.
It was a worthwhile trip, as Yilmaz scored what proved to be the winner in a 3-2 victory away to Sivasspor.
His goal allowed Galatasaray to extend their lead at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig, but Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that Yilmaz could be on the move in January.
“He’s a really interesting one to keep an eye on,” he said.
“He’s in really good form this year. A lot of Premier League clubs like him a lot, and he wants to come to England from what I believe.
“He’s a real talent. Can play anywhere across the front, and would tick a lot of boxes for Newcastle United.
“A very interesting player and someone who Newcastle are doing work on, like a lot of other clubs. Keep an eye on him in January. He is a very interesting option for a number of teams.”
Newcastle saw Yilmaz suffer an injury
While Newcastle Yilmaz score his seventh of the season for Galatasaray, they also saw him leave the pitch on a stretcher.
The attacker was forced off in the 97th minute after a heavy challenge, with Galatasaray providing an update on his condition on Monday.
They wrote on X: “Barış Alper Yılmaz sustained an injury due to a harsh challenge by an opposing player. MRI and CT scans performed revealed a stretching in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee, a moderate strain and bleeding in the deltoid ligament (inner ankle ligament) of his left ankle, and edema in the bones of his ankle. Treatment for him has also been initiated.”
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Why Yilmaz could be ideal for Newcastle United
PSR could make the January transfer window very difficult for Newcastle. They will only make a move if the right deal is available, and it will be interesting to see whether or not Toon officials thinks Yilmaz falls into that category.
He certainly sounds like a good fit, as the 24-year-old enjoys a bright season for Galatasaray on the back of impressing for Turkey at Euro 2024.
So far this season, Yilmaz has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions. He has showcased his versatility, swapping from left to right with ease.
Despite primarily being right-footed, most of his goals have actually come from the right wing. That is in spite of the fact that most wingers now like to cut inside onto their stronger foot. Out of the seven goals Yilmaz has scored, six of them have come whilst playing on the right of attack.
That will be music to the ears of Eddie Howe, who needs a player who can be decisive on that flank. The fact he can also operate comfortably down the left is encouraging too, as it could naturally allow him to dovetail with Anthony Gordon. In contrast, Harvey Barnes only looks happy on the left wing, while Joelinton is only suited to playing out wide against certain opponents.
Yilmaz has the versatility that Howe loves, having also played through the middle for Turkey. And at 24, he is the right age for Paul Mitchell’s new recruitment plan.
There are plenty of reasons why Yilmaz would be a good fit at St James’ Park, but Newcastle face competition to sign a player who has his eyes on the Premier League. While the Magpies were watching Yilmaz on Sunday, so were Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham, Aston Villa and Everton.
