Newcastle United have long pursued the signing of a new right winger.
That’s not to say Jacob Murphy – Newcastle United’s current option there – is going anywhere, just that it’s the one key area in which the club haven’t really strengthened in the PIF era.
Murphy has been in remarkable form for Newcastle this season, but the options behind him are not the strongest. Miguel Almiron left the club in January and was not replaced, leaving Eddie Howe somewhat light in that department.
Plenty of names have been linked. Newcastle are interested in Bryan Mbeumo who, after scoring 18 Premier League goals this season, would no doubt prove a fine signing.
However, it’s galling to watch a certain Raphinha in action. Indeed, Raphinha was Howe’s dream signing at Newcastle back in 2022 but eventually left Leeds for Barcelona.
Now, the Brazilian is proving himself as one of the best players in the world.
Raphinha breaks Lionel Messi record in the Champions League
Newcastle were linked with Raphinha again in 2023 but at Barca he remained. This season, the 28-year-old is firing on all cylinders, scoring 30 goals while registering 25 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions.
On Wednesday night, the former Leeds star even broke a record previously held by a certain Lionel Messi for Barca by providing yet another assist.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 13 | 12 | 8 |
He now has 20 goal involvements in the Champions League this season (12 goals and eight assists), overtaking Messi’s haul of 19 during the 2011/12 campaign (14 goals and five assists).
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the all-time record with 21 goal involvements during the 2013/14 season.
Newcastle’s new shock right-winger plan
Clearly, Newcastle can do little about their lack of depth in the department during what remains of the season.
Hopefully, it’s addressed in the transfer market this summer but, for now, Howe will simply have to make do.
Murphy’s brilliant form this season hasn’t shown much sign of slowing down, luckily.
Interestingly, it seems the Toon boss has another trick up his sleeve to cover for Murphy – albeit hopefully it won’t need to be used in the final four games of the season.
Indeed, Howe has hinted William Osula could move from a striker into a winger, having impressed there during Saturday’s win over Ipswich.
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