Whilst Marc Guehi has been on Newcastle United’s wishlist for some time, the Magpies have now reportedly set their sights on an alternative option who’s worth just £34m this summer.
Guehi remains on Newcastle radar
This time last year, those at St James’ Park were in a different position when it comes to spending but still had an interest in Guehi. Reports even suggested that they were willing to spend big even in the face of PSR troubles. Eventually, however, Crystal Palace managed to price both Newcastle and other interested parties out of a move for their star defender.
One year on, pricing Newcastle out of a move will be slightly more difficult. Free from their PSR limitations, the Magpies could splash the cash for the first time in two transfer windows to finally land their defensive target. It’s also worth noting that Palace, themselves, may be in a weaker negotiation position due to the fact that Guehi’s current contract now has just one year remaining.
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Fresh reports this week have gone as far as to suggest that Newcastle have more or less completed a deal to sign Guehi from Palace and those in South London have already turned their attention towards finding a replacement.
If those are to be believed, then it would be some statement from PIF this early in the summer. The England international wouldn’t be the first to arrive, however, given that Antonio Cordero has already put pen to paper, and rumours suggest that he may not be the last in a frantic summer at St James’ Park.
That said, Newcastle will be well aware of just how quickly things can change in the transfer market and already reportedly have alternative options lined up if they fail in pursuit of Guehi’s signature for a second summer in a row.
Newcastle interested in signing Roma's Ndicka
If it’s not to be Guehi this summer, then it may well be a Serie A star. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now looking to sign Evan Ndicka from AS Roma. The Italian club value their defender at just €40m (£34m) and may well get the chance to cash in amid interest from Tyneside as well as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
Minutes
3,420
3,059
Progressive Passes
107
134
Tackles Won
26
34
Ball Recoveries
134
145
Whilst the numbers show that Guehi is superior in a number of areas, Ndicka is far from a world away from the Englishman’s quality and his cheaper price tag could make any slight dip in numbers worthwhile for Newcastle this summer.
The defender hasn’t been short on praise at Roma, either. Former manager Jose Mourinho had nothing but positives to say about Ndicka after his performance in a 2-0 victory over Napoli in 2023.
The self-proclaimed Special One told reporters: “This was without a doubt his best performance as a Roma player. He played a great game.”
Still just 25 years old and available for just £34m, Ndicka could prove to be the perfect alternative should Eddie Howe and Newcastle miss out on signing Guehi this summer.