Newcastle United’s search for potential signings is underway. Eddie Howe must bolster certain areas of his squad, considering they will take on Europe’s best in the Champions League next season.
There has been reported interest in both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in recent weeks, and the thought of losing either of his star players must fill the head coach with dread.
If he can keep both of them at St James’ Park next season, while adding another couple of high-profile players, the club could make progress in the Champions League.
It appears as though the manager has eyes on someone who shone on Europe’s brightest stage last term…
Newcastle eye move for German star
According to journalist Lee Ryder, writing in the Chronicle, the Magpies have sent scouts to monitor Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn throughout the winter months and remain keen on signing him during the current summer transfer window.
Brendan Rodgers has set a price tag of £15m on the German star, which is certainly more than affordable for the Toon, who are eyeing up the left-footed attacker.
RB Leipzig are also showing plenty of interest, but with the promised land of the Champions League set to grace St James’ Park once again, Kuhn has a big reason to favour a move to the north-east of England over a return to his former club.
Howe was keen on making a move for Anthony Elanga, but Nottingham Forest have placed a price tag of £60m on the winger.
On the surface, might Kuhn be a better signing than the former Manchester United starlet?
Why Nicolas Kuhn would be a better signing than Elanga
First and foremost, the price difference is staggering. Of course, Elanga has proven experience in the Premier League, scoring six times while grabbing 11 assists.
There is no doubt he could add something different on the right flank for Howe, but the winger has played just three Champions League games throughout his entire career.
|
Comparing Kuhn and Elanga statistics from 2024/25 (League only) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric |
Kuhn |
Elanga |
|
Goals |
13 |
6 |
|
Assists |
9 |
11 |
|
Key passes per game |
1.6 |
1.3 |
|
Big chances created |
11 |
9 |
|
Shots per game |
1.9 |
1.2 |
|
Successful dribbles per game |
1.8 |
0.7 |
This is when a move for Kuhn becomes advantageous. In the competition last season, the German not only scored three goals, including one against Bayern Munich, but he also provided an assist.
Furthermore, he had a goal conversion percentage of 38%, while also creating five big chances, averaging 1.5 key passes and succeeding with 1.7 dribbles against the best Europe can offer.
Overall, Kuhn scored 21 times and recorded 15 assists in all competitions for Celtic last season. It is no wonder he was hailed as “breathtaking” by pundit Marvin Bartley amid his excellent 2024/25 campaign.
Yes, making the step up from the Premiership to the English top flight is difficult, but for just £15m, Howe must be keen on taking the gamble.
His form in the Champions League must make him a slightly more attractive option than Elanga, especially with Newcastle keen to do well next term.
Having scouted him in spells last year, it is clear there is serious interest. Will Howe make his move sooner rather than later?
Only time will tell.
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