Newcastle United are going through a transition period, and newly appointed manager Matthias Jaissle is tasked with the responsibility of leading the project.
In the summer, Jaissle was backed by the club in the transfer market, in which they targeted young prospects with huge potential to strengthen the squad.
During the transfer window, the Magpies signed 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure and 21-year-old striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo to bolster their attack.
Toure arrived from TSG Hoffenheim for around £42M, while Fernandez-Pardo was signed for approximately £51M, and both signed long-term contracts with the club.
In the current season, William Osula was expected to lead the Magpies’ attack, but he has been sidelined due to an injury.
Meanwhile, German striker Nick Woltemade has been sent on a season-long loan to Italian giants Juventus, which has thinned the frontline, and Newcastle United are looking to make additions in the winter transfer window.
According to football insider Bryan King, Newcastle United are interested in bringing RB Leipzig star Anotino Nusa to St. James’ Park this January.
But Antonio Nusa will not come cheap, as RB Leipzig spent £18M to sign the attacker from Belgian club Club Brugge in August 2024.
Besides that, it is believed that RB Leipzig’s valuation for the 21-year-old forward is around £50M to £60M, and he still has three years remaining on his current deal with the club.
Moreover, Newcastle United are not the only club interested in his signature, as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa are also in the mix.
Arsenal have been looking into the transfer market to add more depth to their attack, and the Gunners were exploring the idea of making an offer in the region of £34M to sign him.
This term, Nusa has made 8 appearances in all competitions, scored 4 goals, and also chipped in with 3 assists in the process.
The 21-year-old has also impressed in the recent international break, where he represented Norway in the Nations League in 4 matches and scored a goal against Denmark.
Newcastle United have already invested heavily during the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad and make a strong push to secure European football next season.
During the upcoming winter transfer window, the Magpies could also see some players leave St. James’ Park, which will mean that they could have the cash to meet RB Leipzig’s demands to let go of Nusa in January.
Nusa primarily plays as a left-winger, but he can also play as an attacking midfielder to provide more options to the manager and add more versatility to the attack.
The Norwegian international is very effective at putting crosses into the box, cutting inside to shoot, and getting away from defenders using his pace and dribbling abilities.
Currently, Harvey Barnes and Bazoumana Toure are deployed on the left flank in attack to provide speed, crosses, and track back opposition attackers.
Jaissle prefers to play a 4-3-2-1 formation, which transitions to a 4-4-2 depending on the opposition, and he wants his team to make high presses, win duels, and force the opponents to play long balls behind the defence.
Nusa could fit well into Jaissle’s system, as he will provide pace, trickery, and crosses, and he is also good in a high pressing system, as he is willing to track back opponents’ attackers.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle United will be able to beat off competition to sign Nusa, or the Norwegian attacker will make a move elsewhere.
