The Bundesliga starlet who Newcastle could steal from Brighton's grasp after failed £26m bid
Could Newcastle secure the signing of one of the top talents in Germany?
Newcastle United have endured a challenging Premier League season and will look to go back to the drawing board this summer as they aim to challenge for the Champions League spots once again.
Eddie Howe’s side have qualified for the competition in two of the last three seasons but unless they win the tournament outright this term, their chances of competing in Europe whatsoever next term are looking increasingly slim.
The Magpies remain in the bottom half of the table and, truthfully, it is no fluke – they have begun just six match weeks in the top half all season, with just one solitary week in the top six in January. Their dip in form has lasted almost the entirety of the season and they would, quite frankly, be fortunate if they are to qualify for Europe through reaching the top seven or eight come May. Summer reinforcements are needed.
Bundesliga gem could sign for Newcastle - despite Brighton interest
According to reports by Mail Sport, Newcastle are tracking Koln winger Said El Mala, taking a ‘close look’ at the Germany Under-21 international ahead of a potential summer move.
The 19-year-old star has burst onto the scene in the Bundesliga this season, scoring eight goals and laying on four assists in his first season playing in the top flight. In fact, he was playing in the third tier last season and so his rapid step up has been outstanding.
The teenage left winger has been a reported target for Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Seagulls seeing a €30million (£26m) bid rejected in January. Koln are thought to value their prize asset at closer to £35m at present but are anticipating bids of up to £52m if transfer interest increases, as previously reported by 3 Added Minutes.
Neither of Newcastle or Brighton are enjoying their best of seasons at present but the Toon will feel that their stature of club and recent European adventures will give them the edge over rival suitors. The North East club will fancy their chances of signing El Mala and stealing him from under famed expert buyers Brighton’s noses.
Could El Mala become the future of St. James’ Park?
El Mala has already been thought of as one of the most impressive teenage attackers in the Bundesliga, alongside stars such as Lennart Karl and Yan Diomande. While he mostly operates from the left, he is also capable of playing at striker and could be a valuable addition to the Magpies frontline.
Howe currently has Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes as top-class options from the left but amidst recent transfer rumours surrounding the former, future-proofing the position might be a priority. In addition, the Toon have lacked a consistent striker this term and El Mala could end up contributing to the goals when called upon.
It will be an important summer for Newcastle regardless, as the likes of Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento have been linked with moves away and the club will hope not to lose more than one of the trio, if any. Signing a player ready to step up and become their next big thing could be the perfect remedy for any major departures.