Newcastle United are reportedly keen on 24-year-old RB Leipzig defender Mohammed Simakan, a target for Liverpool and Barcelona.
A report from TEAMtalk has claimed that Newcastle United have opened talks with the representatives of Mohamed Simakan. Marc Guehi will unlikely arrive at St. James’ Park from Crystal Palace, with the RB Leipzig defender emerging as an alternative.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United will face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and La Liga giants Barcelona. However, the Tyneside outfit will look to beat them to his signature after initiating discussions with his entourage.
The 24-year-old central defender has impressed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, and he is valued at £42 million. Newcastle United need defensive additions this summer, and Mohamed Simakan would be a quality acquisition for them.
The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be quite attractive for the player, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can secure an agreement with the Bundesliga club. The Magpies are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, and they have the resources to pay the reported £42 million asking price.
Liverpool keen on Simakan
Liverpool are interested in the versatile defender as well. They will need to replace Joel Matip who left the club upon the expiry of his contract. The 24-year-old will want to compete at a high level, and move to Liverpool could be more attractive to him as compared to Newcastle United. The Reds will be able to offer him UEFA Champions League football this season.
With that said, Newcastle have an ambitious project, and they will be able to offer Mohamed Simakan regular game time as well. At Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will be ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 24-year-old must look to join a club where he will play regularly. He is versatile enough to slot into multiple defensive roles, and he could be a real asset for Eddie Howe if the Magpies can get the deal done.
RB Leipzig are unlikely to stand in his way if their demands are met, and it will be interesting to see if the likes of Newcastle United or Liverpool step up their pursuit and come forward with an official proposal before the window closes tomorrow.
The defender is entering the peak years of his career, and he will look to play for a club where he can challenge for major trophies. A move to Liverpool or Newcastle United could be an exciting opportunity for Mohamed Simakan. However, Barcelona might also be lurking amid their need for a new centre-back.
