Newcastle United do not appear to be wasting any time ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
While the window does not even open until Friday, June 14, Newcastle are pressing ahead in attempts to strengthen their squad.
They are believed to be closing in on a deal to bring Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly to St James’ Park on a free transfer, while they also made attempts to bring Tosin Adarabioyo to Tyneside in a similar move.
Though it was Chelsea who ultimately won the race to sign the defender, it seemingly hasn’t put Newcastle off in their bids to strengthen.
Indeed, they are believed to have tabled a £16m offer to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as talks between the two clubs continue.
The free agent market looks particularly interesting for Newcastle.
As ever, there are believed to be at least some FFP restrictions in play this summer, so moving for players who do not require a transfer fee brings its obvious benefits.
Now, they are being linked with a name somewhat out of left-field.
Once hailed as “incredible” by one Pep Guardiola, Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho is said to be of interest.
Newcastle could offer contract to Kelechi Iheanacho
According to the Sunday Mirror (page 73) on 09/06/2024, Newcastle are interested in a move for the 27-year-old.
Iheanacho spent seven years with the Foxes after leaving Manchester City in 2017, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and Championship along the way but has been released upon the expiration of his contract.
Why Kelechi Iheanacho is a logical transfer target for Newcastle
Signing a player who scored only five Championship goals last season on a free transfer is hardly likely to set pulses racing on Tyneside.
Still, context feels important.
Those goals came in only five second-tier starts last season and Iheanacho would not be coming to Newcastle as a first-choice.
Goals are not much of a problem for Eddie Howe’s side. Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool bagged more in the Premier League last season.
Still, the reliability of their forwards very much is an issue.
Alexander Isak will no doubt be first-choice but has consistently struggled to stay fit for any great length of time, while the same could be said of back-up Callum Wilson – who could be leaving this summer anyway.
Iheanacho has scored 42 Premier League goals in 196 appearances. More importantly, he’s only missed four games through injury during his time in English football, dating back to 2015 (via Transfermarkt).
As a cheap back-up, Newcastle could do a lot worse.
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