Victor Osimhen would be the perfect No 9 for Newcastle United and the Magpies can help fund the deal by agreeing to let Sandro Tonali leave for £80m.
That’s the verdict of former United and England winger Chris Waddle, who feels the Nigerian frontman would be an ideal fit for Eddie Howe’s side.
Osimhen, 27, has been linked with a Premier League move after getting his career back on track in Turkey following an acrimonious exit from Napoli. The striker has bagged 22 goals in 33 appearances for Galatasaray this season.
Newcastle are on the lookout for a goalscoring forward. Neither Nick Woltemade nor Yoane Wissa could step into Alexander Isak’s shoes last season. Waddle feels Osimhen would be ideal for the Magpies and several other Premier League sides.
‘He works very hard’
“I like Victor Osimhen. He works very hard. I’ve watched him five or six times this year in Turkey and I like his work ethic,” Waddle told BOYLE Sports.
“He’s a player who wants to win and he works really hard to win. He always runs hard. He’s always wanting to put himself about.
“I was surprised he went to Turkey. I know he gets looked after over there but he’s better than the Turkish league. I was very surprised when he was linked with Chelsea that it didn’t happen. He was perfect for them and perfect for the Premier League.
“He’d still be a great fit for any team in the Premier League and I’d like to get him in as the No 9 for Newcastle because he’s very consistent, very mobile, a good technical player who’s good in the air and his work rate’s great. If he were to become available, there would be at least five clubs trying to chase him down, let alone Newcastle.”
The Tonali dilemma
United have to sell to help fund their transfer spending this summer. Anthony Gordon is expected to leave for Bayern Munich next month. Waddle concedes that selling Tonali is something they may have to consider.
“Now if somebody comes in and offers £80m for Sandro Tonali, Newcastle have to take a serious look at that because it’s massive money and sometimes you’ve got to take that money.
“When I left Tottenham Hotspur for Marseille, they sold me. I didn’t ask to leave the football club. They sold me because they got a very good offer for me.”
Where will Newcastle finish next season?
Newcastle will target the European places after their disappointing 12th place finish. Waddle has backed them to push into the top six.
“Who will be Premier League champions next season? I think it’s going to be between the same two clubs again and I’m going to go with Manchester City. Arsenal will finish second. I think Aston Villa will come in third. Liverpool will finish fourth, Chelsea fifth and sixth could be a club like Bournemouth, Brighton or Brentford if one of them brings in the right three or four players this summer and hits the ground running.
“I think if Eddie Howe is allowed to bring four or five players in then Newcastle United will get the sixth spot.”
The bottom line
Osimhen in. Tonali out for £80m. Gordon already on his way to Bayern.
That’s the blueprint Waddle is offering. A perfect No 9. A massive fee for a player who could be sold. And a top six finish next season.
Newcastle need goals. Osimhen guarantees them. But the price tag will be significant.
Selling Tonali might be the only way to make it happen. And Waddle thinks they’d be mad not to consider it.
