By OkayGoal
Newcastle United fans have plenty to be excited about this week. While the Toons found a few big name players leaving St James Park this season which brought an air of pessimism with it, it looks like Newcastle are looking at three players who can end up changing their fortunes going into new season.
Christopher Nkunku linked as his Amorim stand off continues+
Reports suggest Newcastle are showing serious interest in Christopher Nkunku, with AC Milan also credited with interest in the same deal.
Nkunku’s best position is as a second striker, playing just behind a main number nine. That fits well with how Newcastle’s manager likes to set up his attack, using one player who stays on the shoulder of the last defender and another who drops deeper to link play. Players like Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga or Wissa fit the “on the shoulder” role, and Nkunku fits the deeper, more technical role. He is good at receiving the ball, turning quickly, and driving forward to create or score.
Some fans see Nkunku as injury prone or underwhelming, but the numbers tell a different story. He played 35 games last season and produced 11 goal contributions, which works out to roughly one every three games, often coming off the bench. Even during a difficult and unstable spell at Chelsea, he still managed 20 goal contributions in 48 games. Earlier in his career at Leipzig, he was directly involved in well over 30 goals across two seasons. He has always had a reliable end product.
At 28, he also brings experience that Newcastle’s young players do not have yet. He knows the Premier League and that matters for a squad still adjusting to English football’s physical demands.
A partnership between Nkunku and Wissa also looks promising on paper. Nkunku offers strong shot quality and chance creation, while Wissa brings more physical presence, aerial ability, and involvement in general play. Together they could balance each other out well, which is exactly what a settled front two needs.
Amar Dedic is all set…
Newcastle have reportedly agreed a deal for Amar Dedic, and he is already going through his medical. If everything goes smoothly, he should be available in time to face Liverpool next weekend.
Dedic is well regarded outside England too, with Benfica supporters speaking highly of his potential to become one of the best right backs in the game under the right setup. He previously worked with Newcastle’s current manager at Red Bull Salzburg, and that relationship could help him settle in quickly and reach a higher level than we have seen from him before.
At 23, Dedic already has plenty of big game experience (including Champions League football) so this is not a gamble on an unproven player like many supporters would make it would to be.
Palhinha talks still alive
There has been conflicting information about a possible move for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, but the most recent reports suggest Newcastle have reopened talks and have not given up on getting a deal done.
It is worth remembering that transfer reporting is not always reliable in either direction. A source saying a deal is off does not guarantee it stays off, and a source saying a deal is close does not guarantee it happens. The situation is still fluid.
With Joelinton set to miss around three weeks through injury, Newcastle need a proper defensive midfielder to fill that gap, and Palhinha fits that description well. Compared to Joelinton, Palhinha rates more highly for progressive passing, duels won, possession won, and forward passes, while Joelinton remains better at carrying the ball and creating chances himself.
The key with Palhinha is not asking him to build play from deep. He is best used slightly higher up the pitch, breaking up opposition attacks and putting his physicality to use, while someone else handles the deeper buildup responsibilities. He already knows the Premier League, wins his duels, and can chip in with the occasional goal too.
Taken together, Nkunku, Dedic, and Palhinha would give Newcastle a strong mix of experience and Premier League know how, which is something this squad has been missing.