The Magpies are known to be in the market to sign a new right-winger and a move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams has been heavily touted in recent days
Spain’s Nico Williams has been one of the most impressive performers so far at EURO 2024, helping La Roja seal their qualification to the knockout rounds after only two matches.
Even prior to the tournament, the Athletic Bilbao star was set to be a man in demand this summer and that has only been heightened by his performances so far in Germany.
It has now emerged that the 21-year-old has a £46million release clause in his current contract at San Mames and there is set to be a number of clubs in the race to secure his signature.
The Magpies’ ambition to sign one of European football’s hottest young talents is admirable but, amid the competition from clubs competing in next season’s Champions League, they may well miss out on his signature.
Newcastle have also been linked with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen as they look to upgrade their options on the right-hand side – particularly given both Miguel Almiron and Yankuba Minteh have been linked with moves away from St James’ Park.
But United manager Eddie Howe has spoken in the past of Newcastle being creative in the transfer market and identifying opportunities to sign players with high potential at a relatively low price.
With that in mind, Chronicle Live used Macro Football’s player impact tool, which uses analytics to understand a player’s seasonal impact, to try and find players most similar to Williams in European football’s top five leagues.
West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus appeared on that list, as did Bryan Zaragoza, who will join Bayern Munich this summer from Granada. German teenager Justin Diehl, who will join Stuttgart on July 1 was also on the list, as was Girona star Savio, who is expected to join Man City this summer.
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