Newcastle United have the means to complete the signing of a Premier League superstar this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, and may even be able to whittle his £75m release clause down significantly.
The four positions Newcastle want to strengthen this summer
After a great season that saw the Magpies win the EFL Cup and end their long trophy drought, as well as get back into the Champions League, the summer window promises to be an exciting one at St James’ Park.
Speaking about Newcastle’s potential business in the coming weeks and months, Sky Sports‘ reliable reporter Keith Downie recently provided an update, saying: “Eddie Howe is looking for a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre back, a right-winger and a forward who can play across the front. That’s the wish list if none of the big hitters were to leave. If a Bruno Guimaraes or an Anthony Gordon went, for example, then he’d need them replaced too.”
It remains to be seen who exactly Newcastle will bring in ahead of next season, but Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has consistently been mentioned as a leading option on the right flank, but it appears he isn’t the only one on the agenda as the Cameroon star edges closer to joining Manchester United.
Newcastle "can afford" to sign Kudus
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle “can afford” £75m-rated West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, seeing him as an alternative to Mbeumo, and they believe they can do a deal for less than his release fee.
“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.
“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee. They’ll definitely be willing to listen to offers for the Ghana international.”
Kudus stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle if they can’t get Mbeumo, even though the Brentford ace still stands out as the superior choice.
Appearances
38
32
Starts
38
31
Minutes played
3417
2604
Goals
20
5
Assists
7
3
Shots per game
2.2
2.3
Key passes per game
1.8
1.0
Dribbles per game
1.4
2.9
That said, if the Magpies end up signing the West Ham ace instead, he could excel at St James’, having been hailed by former teammate Aaron Cresswell when they first played together: “He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.
“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”
Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'
Newcastle are pursuing Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo this summer – but have they already sold an alternative?
ByRobbie WallsJun 1, 2025
Ultimately, Mbeumo is the dream signing for Newcastle, having enjoyed such an impressive 2024/25 season, and he would be a superb upgrade on Jacob Murphy, possessing more consistency than Kudus over the past 12 months.