Newcastle confident of signing winger “very soon”

At Newcastle United, it means more. Perhaps that’s why fans have been frustrated this season, voicing their concerns as Eddie Howe’s side fell out of European contention and into mid-table.

Howe has found his flowers, however, and believes he has the tools to get the Magpies back into the Champions League and silverware again. You’ve done it before.

The fall from grace has caused a few setbacks, however. Anthony Gordon was sold to Barcelona for £69m, while Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento also face uncertain futures at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle cannot afford another campaign below the Premier League, and to avoid disaster, it is imperative that Gordon be replaced successfully.

Newcastle are close to signing Gordon as a replacement

Gordon scored 17 goals for Newcastle this season. Given that Alexander Isak hasn’t been replaced enough in the last ten months, getting top players this summer is out of the question.

The PIF are keeping their options open, and Ross Wilson’s installment as technical director provides much-needed clarity at the start of the summer window.

According to multiple sources, including the ever-reliable Craig Hope, Newcastle are in “good talks” to seal the signing of Victor Munoz from Spanish side Osasuna.

While he insists nothing has been agreed, Fabrizio Romano continues to report that the Toon are “confident” of securing the move “very quickly” after submitting a £26m bid earlier on Thursday.

Newcastle need that kind of profile now that Gordon has left for La Liga. Munoz packs a similar punch, and may have a bit of Allan Saint-Maximin about him.

Why Munoz could be Newcastle’s new Saint-Maximin

Newcastle have improved since the days of Saint-Maximin, that exciting but consistent winger, and Gordon is a more organized and improved version.

Saint-Maximin, now 29, scored 13 goals and provided 21 assists for the Toon. He blew hot and cold, and there is no mistake, but he certainly knew how to raise the ceiling, and Munoz could deliver something like the Premier League – with the potential to far exceed the impact of his peers under Howe’s wing.

Munoz, 22, has all the makings to thrive at the highest level. Powerful and stylish, fast and unpredictable. This is proven by his data in the Spanish top flight this season, already stronger than Saint-Maximin during his Newcastle days.

The last time ASM played for Newcastle in the Premier League, injuries and the likes of Howe dragged him away from the limelight, but his pace and stamina remained strong, and Munoz will bring that back to the club, a sort of combination between Gordon and the Frenchman.

Not only is he an unstoppable dribbler, Munoz gets stuck in and wins a number of duels, with Football Espana editor Ruairidh Barlow noting that “there is no easy way to stop him”.

His footwork and ability down the wing will provide Toon fans with something to enjoy that Saint-Maximin consistently provides, even on an off day in the Premier League.

But whether he builds his strength in the final third remains to be seen. That will be the difference between cult status, like Saint-Maximin at Tyneside, and a high-profile career, as Gordon is pursuing now that he has signed for Barcelona.

Munoz has a lot of potential, and while Gordon’s absence will be felt on Tyneside next year, the Spanish striker could help ease the worries by slotting into the Magpies’ attack.