In search of a much-needed attacking spark, Newcastle United are now reportedly among the most active clubs in the race to sign a Champions League wonderkid.
Howe: Benfica win "sets the standard" for Newcastle
Bouncing back from their Brighton defeat in style, Newcastle eased past Benfica in the Champions League to make it two wins from three. In contrast to their Premier League displays, the Magpies were in free-scoring form and sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s side at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
After a mixed week of results, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted that his side’s victory over Benfica “sets the standard” for what he expects going forward.
Howe told reporters: “I think it is that kind of game that sets a standard. That we have to take forward to our next few games that we’ve got coming up. That’s the level that we have to be at.
“I thought we’ve been threatening putting a performance like that together. Even at Brighton, there were some really positive moments, but that gets lost in the result. Today, we got both. We got another clean sheet and we scored some goals. Confidence returned to our attacking players, so it’s a great night for us.”
Finding that attacking spark in the Premier League is now the challenge for those in Tyneside. Even with record signing Nick Woltemade already firing on all cylinders and Yoane Wissa to return from injury, however, they may yet turn towards the January transfer market for some much-needed quality going forward.
In a World Cup year, there are certainly plenty of players who could do with a chance, including one teenage sensation who’s been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Newcastle active in race to sign Endrick
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now active in the race to sign Endrick in January now that Real Madrid are willing to let the Brazilian leave on loan.
The 19-year-old wonderkid has not played a single minute under new manager Xabi Alonso and desperately needs a winter move if he is to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad next summer.
Given Newcastle’s attacking struggles, welcoming a player as exciting as Endrick wouldn’t exactly be a bad idea, either. Whilst he has struggled to impress enough to get Alonso’s attention, he could yet find his feet at St James’ Park in January.
If the praise of former Palmeiras sporting director Joao Paulo Sampaio is anything to go by, then Newcastle have a rare opportunity to land a generational star on loan this season.
“If injuries respect him, I don’t see a ceiling for him. As far as is humanly possible. He has quality, a strong personality and a champion mentality. In that regard, he resembles Cristiano [Ronaldo].
“He trains hard, is kind and has humility. We love him very much because he makes himself loved. he tries to please everyone around him. He has everything to be a world star.”
The door has opened for the Magpies to make their move and they should take full advantage when the January transfer window arrives.
