Fabrizio Romano has shared a key transfer update from Newcastle with Eddie Howe set to complete the signing of the wonderkid.
Eddie Howe is ready to be supported in the summer of Newcastle
Howe has reportedly made his position clear ahead of what could be one of the most important summers of Newcastle’s modern era.
The Magpies manager, according to some reports, has issued a stern demand to the Tyneside management: get the rebuild back on track or accept the project cannot reach its potential.
Howe assessed the team he believed to be missing out on genuine title contention and drew a line. He wants investment, he wants it in every field, and he doesn’t hide what he expects because of his long-term commitment to the team.
Last summer there was chaos without a director of football in place, leaving Howe exposed in transfer negotiations with little experience to navigate.
The arrival of Ross Wilson has changed the structure, and the pair are understood to be fully aligned with the summer strategy.
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At the top of that agenda sits a centre-forward – the most debatable option since Alexander Isak’s departure left a void Yoane Wissa can fill.
But Newcastle aren’t just thinking now, they’re thinking 2028.
Howe’s side recently agreed a deal with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle to sign 16-year-old winger Johan Martinez, and Romano shared a key development from today.
Newcastle are completing the paperwork for the signing of Johan Martinez
A reliable journalist confirmed on Tuesday that all the documents have been signed against the transfer of Martínez – and the agreement is important.
The youngster, who was born in 2009, will stay with his current club until he turns 18, when he will head to St James’ Park in what is widely regarded as a major long-term investment.
That Newcastle got him should underline it.
TEAMtalk recently revealed that Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool were all heavily in the mix for Martínez’s signature, with Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig also coming knocking.
The Magpies hit the jackpot, with Wilson credited as the catalyst for getting the deal across the line.
So what do Newcastle get? A truly exciting talent by any measure.
Martínez is a versatile attacking player across the front line – left wing, right wing, and as a center forward are all within his range.
His most damaging quality is his pace, which he carries to the full without losing control of the ball, making him a nightmare in one-on-one situations.
He is equally comfortable on both feet, which only adds to his lack of awareness when running at defenders.
The Independiente del Valle academy also produced Moisés Caicedo and Piero Hincapié, both of whom have gone on to make their mark at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Martínez continues his development back in Ecuador, with Newcastle watching closely.
It’s early business, of course, and there’s a team that needs to be strengthened very quickly.
Howe’s most immediate priorities have yet to be met, and those discussions are still ahead.
However, by securing one of the most coveted young prospects in South American football ahead of some of the world’s biggest clubs, Newcastle have at least shown that the summer has begun.
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