Newcastle consider transfer swoop for Osimhen after Ekitike blow | OneFootball

Newcastle United’s bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike was unsuccessful, forcing them to explore alternatives.

According to Bild, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is one of the names on the Newcastle shortlist.

The Nigerian international is on the market and currently linked with Galatasaray, where he spent last season on loan.

However, Newcastle may consider swooping for Osimhen to strengthen their frontline ahead of next season.

Osimhen is an out-and-out centre-forward who leads the line with ferocity and causes havoc for opposition defenders.

His ability to get his shots off from any angle makes him a menace.

Osimhen should be playing for a bigger club, but his salary demands are proving problematic. Al-Hilal have tried to sign Osimhen, but he rejected the move.

Galatasaray are trying to sign him permanently following his successful loan spell, but Napoli want his full €75 million release clause paid.

Newcastle could enter the race for Osimhen, and he would be an excellent addition to their squad.

He bagged 37 goals and eight assists to spearhead Gala to the domestic double last season.

In the 2022/23 season, he led Napoli to their first Scudetto in three decades.

Former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti hailed him as a ‘great striker’ and said ‘he is the complete package’.

He is a capable finisher, a hard worker, and a bullish option for Newcastle.

Liverpool man Darwin Nunez is on the list of potential alternatives to Ekitike, but the Magpies should be nowhere near him.

In three seasons at Liverpool, Nunez has missed 55 big chances in the league, scoring only 25 goals.

That is a poor return, and the Magpies would be better served moving for Osimhen.