Newcastle United are planning to sign Fiorentina’s diamond striker Dusan Vlahovic during the January transfer window. It would mark Newcastle’s first major piece of business since the club’s takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium.
Vlahovic, 21, scored at a fantastic rate at club level over the past two seasons and has emerged as a top transfer target for the likes of Juventus, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Newcastle are second from bottom in the Premier League table, having won just 10 points from their 17 games. They are on equal points as last-placed Norwich City. Newcastle only won once this season, beating Burnley at home on 4 Dec. Even though their current run of form suggests they have a strong chance of going down, Newcastle’s new owners are ready to buy big so they avoid the predicted finale for the current campaign.
Calciomercato in Italy claim Newcastle will not hold back in their attempt to sign their dream striker. The Magpies are ready to put on the table the $110 million Fiorentina are demanding to let Dusan go. Vlahovic has netted 15 times in 17 games this season, after scoring 21 goals in 37 Serie A matches in 2020/21.
The Serbian also became a regular in his national team since 2020, scoring seven goals in 14 caps.
Vlahovic: Instant impact and a fantastic profit for Fiorentina
Vlahovic joined Fiorentina in 2018 from Serbian giants Partizan for just $2.2 million. The striker is on a contract until 2023, so Fiorentina has all the reasons in the world to accept a bid in January, considering the player is unlikely to sign an extension to his current deal.
To help through the January transfer window, Newcastle hired Nick Hammond as their consultant. The former Celtic and Reading director of football will offer counsel and expertise during a vital month at St. James’ Park.
The new board’s first important move after taking charge was to part company with manager Steve Bruce on 20 Oct. and appoint Eddie Howe on 9 Nov. on a contract until 2024. Howe has won only one of the six games in his reign, drawing two and losing another three. Newcastle is currently three points behind Watford, who sit first above the relegation zone.
According to the bookies, Tottenham are the favorites to sign Vlahovic at +200, with Arsenal at +400 and Manchester City at +900. Newcastle United are outside the top three at +1,500.