Newcastle officials fly out to have a first-hand look at signing the £22m forward
The PIF have sent Newcastle United officials to look at wanted striker Franculino Dju, as they look to rebuild their stadium.
Newcastle make personal checks on Dju
The pressure is mounting on Eddie Howe ahead of the summer. The Newcastle boss, almost 12 months after the Magpies spent more than £150m to complete the sale of Alexander Isak, looks set to endure a disappointing mid-table finish.
Since ending their trophy drought and securing a top four finish, the Tyneside side have fallen behind nearest rivals Sunderland, who have completed a double this season.
For many around St James’ Park, it will be seen as an unacceptable performance from Howe. But he is not the only one to blame. Newcastle’s recruitment has failed to strike many times over the years.
|
25/26 |
Nick Woltemade |
Anthony Elanga |
Yoane Wissa |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Games |
47 |
46 |
23 |
|
Goals |
10 |
3 |
3 |
|
It helps |
5 |
2 |
1 |
|
Transfer fee |
£69m |
£55m |
£55m |
With Isak heading for the exit door, Newcastle found themselves enduring a miserable summer. It seemed that they would not find a replacement after being rejected repeatedly, Wissa and Woltemade arrived late.
Recent form in his first few weeks at the club has suggested the Magpies have pulled off some very good business. Since those first few weeks, however, Woltemade has struggled and now finds himself at the center of an unlikely pitch – summing up Newcastle’s recruitment struggle.
It’s something Ross Wilson must change in his first summer in charge and the sporting director reportedly has some goals in mind.
He wants a job: Newcastle could hire their own Arteta from a “top” manager.
Eddie Howe’s position at Newcastle is increasingly uncertain after a poor run of form in the Premier League.
According to Danish company Campo, as relayed by Sports Witness, the PIF sent Newcastle officials to personally assess Dju before leaving in the summer.
The Midtjylland striker is a wanted man, with the likes of Everton, RB Leipzig and Real Betis just three of the clubs joining Newcastle in the race for a signature worth around £22m.
In-demand Dju could end Newcastle’s woes
Another way to solve the attacking problem is to sign a striker who has scored around 22 goals in all competitions this season. Dju succeeded where Wissa and Woltemade failed. He has been taking Denmark by storm and looks set for big things as a result.
Dubbed “amazing” by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Dju is 21 years old and could solve Newcastle’s attacking woes for years to come.
The Magpies didn’t get it right last summer, but they have the chance to make up for lost time by signing the Midtjylland striker.
Whether Howe reaps the rewards of such a transfer, or another manager, remains an open question at St James’ Park, however.
