Newcastle United were on the end of some brutal moments last season, and now a player who provided one is a target for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe’s side endured a frustrating 2023/24 campaign, with Newcastle’s Champions League exit still stinging.
There was also the last gasp defeat to Liverpool, as well as the penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup quarter final. Newcastle were moments away from a semi final, only for Kieran Trippier’s mistake to take the game to penalties. The Magpies lost, and their trophy drought continued.
Newcastle lost to Man City in January
Another agonising loss came in January at the hands of Manchester City. Howe’s side had played so well against the champions, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring outstanding goals.
But it was Man City who won, with Oscar Bobb netting a winner in the 91st minute. The 21-year-old made it 3-2 in stoppage time, latching on to a beautiful pass from Kevin de Bruyne and rounding Martin Dubravka to give himself an empty net and make it 3-2 to Man City.
St James’ Park was stunned into silence, while De Bruyne described Bobb’s movement as ‘amazing‘. It was heartbreaking for Toons fans, but a moment of magic from the Norwegian.
Oscar Bobb now a target for Newcastle United
Six months later and Bobb is being linked with a move to Tyneside.
According to Give Me Sport, Newcastle United are interested in signing Bobb from Manchester City, with various suitors keen to see if Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to let him go permanently or on loan.
The report adds that Borussia Dortmund are also interested in Bobb, while Guardiola would like to keep the winger at the Etihad Stadium.
READ MORE: Newcastle confirmed signings, departures, loans & released players in the summer transfer window 2024
Paul Mitchell must only pursue a permanent deal
During his fleeting appearances for Manchester City, it is clear that Bobb is extremely talented. Newcastle saw what he is capable of up close, as that goal at St James’ Park truly was special. The movement was perfect, while his close control and composure displayed incredible technical ability.
Ability like that would make him a welcome addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, but Newcastle should only pursue a deal for the youngster if he is available permanently – or on loan with an obligation to buy.
There is no major benefit in loaning Bobb, only for him to go back to Man City in 12 months. We would effectively be developing him to the benefit of another club, which is unwise.
If Paul Mitchell is serious about bringing Bobb to Tyneside then he needs to establish whether a transfer is possible and how much it would cost.
Until then, a move to Newcastle United for Oscar Bobb feels fanciful.
Newcastle United are edging closer to reuniting Sandro Tonali with one of his former AC Milan teammates.
The Italian midfielder joined the Magpies last summer from AC Milan in a £55million deal that made him Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever.
It was a tough settling in period for the 24-year-old, with Joelinton helping make Tonali feel welcome on Tyneside.
Now Tonali could be tasked with doing the same.
Newcastle step up Malick Thiaw interest
That is because Newcastle United are aiming to sign a player from AC Milan for the second consecutive summer.
Malick Thiaw has been described as Newcastle’s ‘dream’ signing, and the Magpies appear to be stepping up their interest.
Newcastle are in contact with Thiaw’s agent, but a price is yet to be agreed with the Serie A giants. And a new report details how far away the two clubs are to finding an agreement.
According to the Times, Thiaw has an asking price of £35million. However, they add that Newcastle’s valuation of the 22-year-old is about £10million less than that figure.
The Magpies are looking to pay around £25million for Thiaw, who the Times state is open to joining a club in England.
READ MORE: Newcastle confirmed signings, departures, loans & released players in the summer transfer window 2024
Paul Mitchell could negotiate a bargain for Newcastle
The two clubs are £10million apart, as Newcastle step up their pursuit of Thiaw.
Hopefully a compromise can be reached, with the Germany international seen as the Magpies’ top target. He is the player they want to come in and eventually play alongside Sven Botman.
And if they can do a deal for closer to £25million than £35million then it could prove to be a bit of a bargain. Whether or not that happens will come down to Paul Mitchell, who is aiming to make Thiaw his first major signing since becoming Newcastle United sporting director.
If he can negotiate a cheaper deal for the defender, it will allow more money to be spent elsewhere. That will be the aim, with Newcastle also eager to sign a winger and a striker before the summer transfer window closes on August 30th. It is reported that Newcastle have a £100million transfer budget.
Right now the priority is Thiaw, as Newcastle aim to reach an agreement with AC Milan.
