Newcastle United have made significant progress over the past month and are now on the verge of reaching the Carabao Cup final. Winning the domestic trophy and ending a lengthy trophy drought would be a perfect endorsement of Eddie Howe’s tenure.
However, those familiar with Newcastle’s development over the past three years would argue that Howe’s legacy should not be solely defined by success in this one competition.
St James’ Park is steadily returning to prominence, and the Magpies are growing increasingly ambitious in the transfer market.
Newcastle Eyeing Statement Signing
According to L’Equipe, Newcastle are unexpectedly in the running to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this month, despite Paris Saint-Germain being the frontrunners for the £68m-rated Napoli star.
While PSG may lead the charge, concerns over the financial aspects of the deal could open the door for clubs like Newcastle to enter the race.
The Times recently suggested that Liverpool might be the leading English contender, but with the feel-good factor growing on Tyneside, sporting director Paul Mitchell might be persuaded to pursue one of the game’s most sought-after wingers.
What Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Could Add to Newcastle
Newcastle’s seven-match winning streak has not only pushed Howe’s side closer to silverware but also revitalized their Premier League campaign, reopening the possibility of Champions League qualification.
As the team continues to improve, Newcastle’s appeal also strengthens. Why wouldn’t Kvaratskhelia be attracted to joining a dynamic attack featuring Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon?
At 23, Kvaratskhelia might see himself as a more potent option than Gordon, who was named United’s Player of the Year for 2023/24. The Georgian has contributed 59 goals and assists in 109 appearances for Napoli, outperforming Victor Osimhen to claim Serie A Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season, as Napoli won the Scudetto.
While Kvaratskhelia would have to compete with Gordon for the left-wing spot, he would likely represent an upgrade. His former Rubin Kazan manager, Leonid Slutsky, has stated that the in-demand winger “could play in any starting XI in the world.”
Moreover, Gordon has often played across various attacking roles for Newcastle, a factor that Howe will likely take into account.
Anthony Gordon – Newcastle Stats by Position
Kvaratskhelia’s Potential Impact
Kvaratskhelia is an exceptional dribbler, intelligent, and elusive, but it’s his clinical finishing that could be a perfect fit for Newcastle, easing the pressure on Isak. Since joining Serie A in 2022, Kvaratskhelia has missed just 19 big chances, scoring 28 goals in the Italian top flight.
In contrast, Gordon has scored 17 Premier League goals for Newcastle since his January 2023 move, though he has missed 21 big chances during that time.
While Gordon is a key player for Newcastle and will continue to play an important role in the seasons ahead, Howe’s project could reach the next level with Kvaratskhelia in the squad. As talent scout Jacek Kulig has noted, the winger is simply “unstoppable.”
While this might seem like a dream signing, the fact that Newcastle are even in the conversation speaks volumes about the club’s ambition and the promising direction they are heading.
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