Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch an “electric” versatile attacker in action, according to an encouraging new transfer update.
Newcastle stand strong in Isak battle
The Magpies may be focusing on new signings currently, but keeping hold of Alexander Isak is more important than any incoming business during the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old was left out of Newcastle’s squad for their 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, and while it led to some concern among the fanbase about him leaving, Eddie Howe allayed any fears about his omission.
“It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window. Yes I’ve had discussions with him, but that’s not abnormal. I respect a player’s career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he’s trained really well and I realise there’ll be noise around him.”
Even if Isak stays, though, Newcastle could do with adding more depth and quality to their attack, and a new update suggests that that could well be the case.
Newcastle have scouted "electric" attacker
According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle have been scouting OGC Nice attacker Evann Guessand and could now make their move having failed in other pursuits.
It is stated that a move for the 24-year-old “could be explored” if the Magpies’ search for a new attacking player moves “to the European market” in the coming weeks. He is also described as a “similar profile” to former Brighton striker Joao Pedro, who is now at Chelsea, in terms of “being able to play anywhere across the front line or as a second striker”.
Statistically speaking, it is actually Liverpool star Cody Gakpo he compares to, with FBRef profiling both players very highly in terms of both goal threat and defensive contriubtion from a winger/forward hybrid role.
Guessand is however a relative unknown compared to some of the big-name players linked with Newcastle of late, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t be an excellent addition. The Frenchman bagged 12 goals and eight assists in Ligue 1 last season, coming in 30 starts, and journalist Antonio Mango has described him as an “electric” player.
As stated, Guessand isn’t dissimilar to Pedro or Gakpo in terms of style, with the Nice star capable of shining as an attacking midfielder, centre forward or winger, drifting into those half spaces and providing end product.
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At 24, he is also still learning as a footballer, with further gears to find, and if the worst-case scenario does happen with Isak, he could be a strong long-term successor. Hopefully though, he comes in and thrives alongside the Swedish superstar.