He excelled throughout the 2023/24 season…
Despite the club’s injury crisis in 2023/24, Newcastle United’s attackers have once again impressed this season, with the Magpies scoring 74 goals, a total only surpassed by the Premier League’s top three.
Alexander Isak has dominated the top tier under Eddie Howe in 2023/24, scoring 19 goals in 26 games and becoming the club’s best striker this season.
Winger Anthony Gordon has also impressed in front of goal this season, scoring double figures and earned his first senior call-up to England’s senior team under Gareth Southgate.
Despite the pair’s excellent form, Howe has been unable to find a third player to complete the Magpies’ forward line, with Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron, and Harvey Barnes frequently partnering the lethal two.
The Magpies’ manager may put a stop to the selection concerns by signing one forward this summer who has certainly struck the eye with his spectacular goals in Europe.
Newcastle interested in attacking signing
Newcastle are reportedly interested in acquiring Fenerbahce right-winger İrfan Can Kahveci, but face stiff competition from Sevilla and Rennes.
The 28-year-old could leave the Turkish club in the summer, since his contract expires in 2025, to avoid losing him to a pre-contract agreement in January.
According to the report, Howe’s side has established “official contact” with the attacker, who has stated that it is his desire to play in the Premier League one day.
The interest is not surprising given his stats in the Süper Lig, where the forward has taken the league by storm and is deserving of a high salary in one of Europe’s best leagues.
Kahveci would be a huge Almiron upgrade
In Turkey this season, the attacker has 30 goal contributions (18 goals, 12 assists), which is greater than Magpies attacker Gordon, who has only 21 in all competitions (11 goals, ten assists).
When comparing the pair’s stats in 2023/24, Kahveci not only outperformed Gordon, but also Almiron, albeit in a lower tier.
The Turkey international, who makes £21k per week according to Capology, has averaged 5.1 progressive passes per game this season, which Almiron cannot match, averaging only 3.7 per 90.
Kahveci has excelled with the ball at his feet, completing 2.4 take-ons per game, more than doubling the 30-year-old’s average of one per match in the Premier League.
The Fenerbahce forward has also impressed with his shooting skills, averaging 2.2 shots and 5.3 shot creations per 90 minutes. Although Almiron has achieved good scores of two and 2.4, neither are comparable to the 28-year-old prodigy.
All things considered, the Magpies must make a bid for Kahveci this summer, with the Turkish star undoubtedly an upgrade on an ageing Almiron, who may even leave St James’ Park.
He would also help Isak to add to his already remarkable goal scoring record, with his ability to create chances in the final third crucial in allowing the Swede to find the back of the net more frequently.
The Turk has provided 12 assists this season alone, a figure that would undoubtedly propel Howe’s striker into contention for the Premier League’s Golden Boot Award next season.
