Newcastle United are reportedly considering a sensational swoop for £50 million-rated Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick.
According to Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen hitman Patrik Schick has surfaced as one of the names on Newcastle United’s striker wishlist as they look to make significant additions to the striker department this January.
Callum Wilson’s recent calf injury has altered the Magpies’ transfer plans drastically in recent weeks. With the 29-year-old set to be sidelined for another eight weeks, striking reinforcements are arguably the most pressing need for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle are desperately lacking a goal threat and a focal point to their attack, which became apparent in their FA Cup embarrassment at the hands of Cambridge United, a game in which they mustered 27 shots without finding the back of the net even once.
It is believed that Magpies boss Eddie Howe wants to sign at least two strikers before the winter transfer window ends, with the NUFC coach looking for one young attacker with tremendous potential coupled with a more experienced and proven option up top. The one for the future seems to be Stade de Reims’ attacking sensation Hugo Ekitike, for whom the Magpies are in advanced talks with the French club.
Burnley forward Chris Wood is reported to be the other experienced option. While the New Zealand international could be a great acquisition in the short term, there is scepticism regarding the Clarets’ willingness to let go of their star striker to a relegation rival. Another attractive proposition that has emerged on the Magpies’ radar is Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick.
The Czech Republic international hit the headlines at Euro 2020 last summer with five goals in four games, finishing the tournament as joint top-scorer alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Schick has taken that blistering goalscoring form into the German top-flight this season, hammering 17 goals in just 15 league games. He is currently second in the Bundesliga’s goalscoring charts, only behind Bayern’s goal-machine Robert Lewandowski.
One of the most in-form strikers in Europe, the 25-year-old has certainly caught the attention of elite clubs across the continent, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham among those interested in securing his services. Now, Newcastle have also joined the list of his admirers.
Newcastle currently have Joelinton and Dwight Gayle as their centre-forward options; the former is excelling in a midfield role while the latter is injury prone and inconsistent at the Premier League level. Barring Allan Saint-Maximin and Wilson, nobody has scored more than one goal this season among the Newcastle squad, which highlights the dire need to bolster their attacking ranks.
Signing a proven option like Patrik Schick could be an exciting addition and a huge statement by Newcastle if they pull it off. Standing at 6ft 3in tall, he is undoubtedly a huge threat in the air and could benefit from quality crossers such as Kieran Trippier and Ryan Fraser at Newcastle. He is technically a very sound finisher and boasts a powerful left foot.
As things stand, Newcastle have registered an interest in the 25-year-old, but with the player contracted at Bay Arena until 2025, the German club is demanding an exorbitant £50 million fee for their prized asset, making the possibility of any deal highly doubtful even with Newcastle’s newly-found riches.