A group of Newcastle United fans have been discussing reports that the club are in talks regarding the potential signing of Jonathan David from Gent. According to TodoFichajes.com, the Magpies have entered negotiations regarding a deal worth around €35m (£31.2m).
David is a 20-year-old attacker and is a fully-fledged Canadian international. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he left Ottawa ISC in January 2018 and moved to the Belgian club’s reserves. He has since been promoted to the senior side.
According to Transfermarkt.co.uk, he is currently valued at £20.25m. In 27 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League this season, he has scored 18 goals and provided eight assists for his teammates. Here is how a sample of the St. James’ Park faithful have responded to the news their club have shown an interest in signing the player.
As a Canadian I can assure you he’s the real deal. Next to Alphonso Davies, he’s our next big thing. Would be a great signing providing he can make it happen in the Prem. Hopefully the first of many good signings incoming #NUFC
— davidlabelle7 (@david_labelle) June 1, 2020
Plz plz plz plz plz plz plz actually happen guys a beast
— Kyle Peter Brine (@kyle_brine) June 1, 2020
If FIFA’s anything to go by.. very talented
— Callum Proud (@CallumProud8) June 1, 2020
He has massive potential. Just hard to tell coming from the Belgian league
Also has 11 goals in 12 games for Canada too!
— NUFC HQ (@NUFC_HQ) June 1, 2020
These fans were clearly excited by the prospect of David joining the Toon, particularly given they’re yet to see a significant return on their investment on Joelinton last summer. The club forked out £39.6m to sign the Brazilian striker from Hoffenheim, but in 29 Premier League appearances this season, he has managed to score just the one goal (via Transfermarkt.co.uk).
However, many aren’t convinced there is any truth in the story and have questioned how the club can possibly be involved in transfer negotiations whilst there is still so much uncertainty regarding the Saudi-led consortium’s proposed takeover.
How can we be negotiating a deal for a player when we dont even know what’s happening with the club let alone players coming in .. we need to know what’s happening… with the club and the sale first then talk abt players
— mathew dunlop (@mattdunlop80) June 1, 2020
I would love to know who is negotiating.
— Gary Meggaz Megson (@TheHonestJohns) June 1, 2020
In our view, any stories linking the Magpies with any potential signings will likely be dismissed by the majority of fans until there is a clear update on whether or not the proposed owners have passed the Premier League’s vetting process.