Despite the Saudi PIF’s significant expenditure of more than £400 million since the takeover in 2021, Newcastle United has struggled with squad depth at times this season.
The Magpies already had a small roster, but repeated long-term injury problems have made the club struggle, with Eddie Howe’s side frequently appearing short in multiple important places.
Injuries to Sven Botman and Joelinton have forced the Magpies manager to rely on forgotten players and young potential to fill the voids left by senior first-team members.
Jamal Lascelles and Lewis Miley have frequently filled in for the tandem, and they have done an amazing job given the club’s current position.
Given the crisis, the club has identified one player as a prospective summer signing to add depth to the squad, with the talent currently performing well in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Newcastle eyeing up dream Isak partner
Newcastle have made sensible investments since the high-profile takeover, with players like Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes repaying their transfer fees since joining the club.
According to German publication SportBild – via Sport Witness – the Magpies are ready to compete with Liverpool for the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush. The Magpies, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are expected to offer between €50 million (£42 million) and €60 million (£51 million) for the 25-year-old.
The Egyptian has ten goals and six assists in 21 Bundesliga outings this season, and his form has caught the attention of Howe’s team.
Marmoush, who is “difficult to defend” according to manager Dino Toppmoller, has also performed well in Europe, scoring four goals in seven Europa Conference League games this season.
He joined Frankfurt from fellow Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg last summer, and his contract runs until 2027.
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His excellent goal scoring record this season, combined with his versatility to play anywhere in the forward line, could make him an exciting proposition for the Magpies, but it would be a deal in which PIF would spend the majority of their summer budget, with the club treading carefully to avoid violating the Premier League’s strict PSR rules.
How Marmoush would fit in at Newcastle
Anthony Gordon and Isak have both established their starting positions under Howe, while Miguel Almiron is in danger of losing his place if Marmoush arrives at St James’ Park.
When comparing the pair’s stats from the Premier League and Bundesliga in 2023/24, the Egyptian forward outperforms the Paraguayan, demonstrating his potential upgrade over the 30-year-old.
As evidenced by the statistics above, the Frankfurt attacker outperforms Almiron in terms of assists and successful take-ons, despite predominantly playing as a centre-forward this season.
That assist record would therefore allow him to provide exceptional service to someone like Isak, with the big Swede – who has 16 goals in all competitions this season – poised to capitalise on those opportunities.
Marmoush possesses all of the skills required to play on the right side of Newcastle’s attack, with his stats indicating that he would be an adequate replacement for Almiron – especially given the 30-year-old’s rumours of leaving St James’ Park.
Although they may face stiff competition from Liverpool for his services, the club should go all out to recruit the Egyptian, as his quality will significantly improve the forward line and complete Howe’s attacking puzzle.
