Newcastle United have a brief idea of what they want to do in the summer transfer market.
Paul Mitchell is going to have funds to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad, although Newcastle United’s transfer budget will not be limitless despite improving their PSR position.
But the club are well placed to make some exciting additions, as the Toon recruitment team ponders what type of player they want to bring in.
It has been reported that Newcastle want three outfield signings, while a new goalkeeper is also on the agenda.
The type of player Newcastle United want to sign
Now more information has emerged, with the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope providing details of exactly what Newcastle United are looking for.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are aiming to sign a centre-back and a right winger, which is well documented.
The report also states that the Magpies would like a versatile forward or midfielder.
With that in mind, Newcastle United’s interest in Matheus Cunha has just become very interesting.
Matheus Cunha could transform Newcastle United
Newcastle were linked with Cunha in January, when there was speculation that he could leave Wolves.
However, the Brazilian attacker remained at Molineux, and has since signed a new deal. That deal includes a release clause, which means clubs like Newcastle can sign Cunha for £62.5million this summer.
Given the type of player that Newcastle are after, Cunha fits the bill.
He is the exact type of versatile attacker that Howe craves, having operated in multiple roles during his Wolves career. The 25-year-old can play as a striker or out wide, as well as slightly deeper as an attacking midfielder.
That latter position is what should make Cunha particularly appealing. Newcastle United really could benefit from having a proper attacking midfielder – a central player who can break the lines and create chances in the final third.
Cunha can be that player. His arrival would give Eddie Howe’s side an extra dimension and could potentially transform this Newcastle United side.
While he would cost a huge amount of money, his performances in the Premier League suggest that it would be money well spent. Cunha has been outstanding for Wolves this season, boasting 14 goals and four assists in all competitions.
There is also already a familiar face for him at St James’ Park, as Cunha won Olympic gold alongside Bruno Guimaraes at the Tokyo games in 2021.
What Newcastle United must do to sign Matheus Cunha
While Newcastle are admirers of Cunha and he appears to fit the bill, talk of a move to Tyneside is pure fantasy at this moment in time.
If Newcastle have any real chance of signing the attacker, they need to be in the Champions League. Cunha will want to join a club that is competing in Europe’s top competition, as he aims to take the next step in his career.
With 11 games to go, the Magpies are certainly in the conversation to return to the Champions League. They are sixth as it stands, while fifth could potentially be good enough to qualify.
For Newcastle to have the transformative summer they are hoping for, they need to ensure they finish in that top five. It has already been reported that Dean Huijsen is open to joining Newcastle, but only if they are a Champions League club.
You would like to imagine that Cunha feels the same, after attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal in January.