With funds at their disposal for the first time in a generation, the reinvigorated magpies look set for a spending spree.
It was just over a month ago when the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) seized the reigns to Newcastle United from Mike Ashley’s frugal clutches – much to the jubilation of the club’s fans.
Having endured season upon season of dramatic relegation escapes in recent years, it was following the 2015/16 season’s conclusion that Newcastle supporters had reached their breaking point. A 3-0 victory for Tyneside rivals Sunderland against Everton on the final day of the season saw Newcastle demoted to the Championship.
A sorely stretched squad crying out for an injection of quality had been thrown at the feet of Rafael Benitez for the final months of the campaign – expected to work miracles on a shoestring.
And despite securing promotion the following year, it wasn’t until Jose Almiron’s acquisition from the MLS two year later that Ashley saw fit to fork out anything more than a meagre sum for a player.
Though now, the Geordies boast deeper pockets:
Corriere Dello Sport are reporting that #NUFC are one of a number of options for Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
The Mexican International has a price tag in excess of €50million. ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/S79Lg0bNgc
— Newcastle Fans TV (@NewcastleFansTV) May 22, 2020
Former PSV man Hirving ‘Chucky‘ Lozano may well be the first in a string of incoming signings for Newcastle.
The pacy attacker was tipped for a bright future upon his move to Napoli from the Eredivisie in 2018, having chalked up an impressive 34 goals in just 60 appearances. Though, amidst tough competition from captain and fellow left-winger Lorenzo Insigne, the Mexican has struggled to make his mark in Serie A.
With just two goals and three assists in over 20 games for the Azzuri, Napoli are looking to cash in on the 24 year-old; with Newcastle their preferred buyers.
Chucky Lozano has played 7.5% of all available minutes for Napoli since December 7th.
It’s time to come home @HirvingLozano70. We all know what needs to be done. 😳 pic.twitter.com/BnUFqTGWZ1
— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) February 21, 2020
Whether the bench-warming Lozano might replicate his PSV form in the Premier League is yet to be seen.
What is a certainty, however, is that he would not be alone in making a move to a Newcastle side with funds to match their aspirations to scale the Premier League table.