Report: Newcastle eye £40m forward with attacking depth under scrutiny | OneFootball

Newcastle Eye £40m Move for Rodrigo Muniz as Striker Search Intensifies

Muniz Emerges as Surprise Forward Target

Newcastle United’s pressing need for reinforcements in attack has taken centre stage once again, as reported by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail. Following yet another pre-season fixture without a goal in the absence of Alexander Isak, it’s become crystal clear the Magpies are short on firepower.

As Hope writes, “We knew this already, but another pre-season game in which Newcastle failed to score and win without Alexander Isak brought home still further the need for a new striker, if not two!” Now, a new name has entered the fray — Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz — with an informal enquiry reportedly made and a potential fee of £40 million being discussed.

Hope, alongside colleague Simon Jones, has revealed that while “no high-level talks have taken place,” intermediaries are actively involved in discussions around the Brazilian forward, who impressed in bursts for Fulham last season.

Big-Money Striker Hunt Continues

Rodrigo Muniz is just one of several names under consideration. The club is also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. However, the pursuit of Sesko appears to be heading for disappointment, with Hope noting, “the feeling inside the club is that Sesko is likely to go to Manchester United, which would be a huge frustration given they are so keen on the Slovenian.”

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Watkins and Jackson Also Being Monitored

Should Sesko slip away, Newcastle may pivot towards Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is on their shortlist and could offer a Premier League-proven option. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also been mentioned, although Hope states “several others are ahead of him at present.”

What’s abundantly clear is that Newcastle are acutely aware of their need to strengthen up top — and the search is active on multiple fronts.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan’s perspective, this latest report confirms what’s been glaringly obvious throughout pre-season — the squad lacks goals without Alexander Isak. Rodrigo Muniz might seem like a left-field target at first glance, but the £40 million figure signals serious intent.

Some fans might question whether Muniz, who only recently broke through at Fulham, represents value for money at that price. However, his physicality, work rate, and flashes of quality make him an intriguing project under Eddie Howe’s coaching. The concern is whether he can immediately produce in a system that demands high intensity and tactical discipline.

The disappointment around Benjamin Sesko potentially joining Manchester United will sting, especially since he ticks so many boxes for the club’s long-term strategy. But if that pursuit leads Newcastle to accelerate interest in Ollie Watkins, supporters might actually view that as a net positive — Watkins is proven in the Premier League, a relentless presser, and a solid finisher.

Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, feels more like a fallback option than a genuine target, which suggests Howe is prioritising versatility and character as much as goal output.

In the end, it’s not just about adding bodies — it’s about finding the right fit. If Muniz is the surprise pick, fans will hope there’s method behind the madness.