Newcastle United: PIF could smash club-record transfer fee for striker based on scientific research

Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in hotshot striker Rafael Leao, alongside a number of other top European clubs.

If the Magpies manage to avoid relegation this season, their fans can start dreaming of things previously beyond their wildest imaginations such as winning the Premier League in the coming years, as that’s what Amanda Staveley confirmed to Sky Sports was the plan under PIF.

Under Mike Ashley, the aim was to always do the bare minimum in every department to ensure the club stayed in the Premier League and nothing symbolised that more than bringing in Callum Wilson, who’s a very good goalscorer, but always has quite a big chance of picking up a serious injury – which he did – and given Dwight Gayle was the only other option prior to January, it was a serious concern for Eddie Howe.

Now though, it appears that PIF realised the situation by bringing in Chris Wood in what appears to be a stopgap until the summer, as they are now being tipped with a move for Leao of Milan by Calciomercato.

Interestingly, the CIES Football Observatory, who’ve developed a unique scientific way of calculating a player’s market value, believes that Leao is worth between €50-70 million (up to £58.3m), which could make PIF sit up and take note given that Calciomercato is reporting that Milan are only looking to receive north of €50m (£42m) for Leao.

TIF Thoughts on Newcastle looking at Rafael Leao…

The Portuguese international has certainly taken Europe by storm this season with 10 goals and six assists across all competitions at just 22 years of age, which has helped the Rossoneri reach the top of the league table – and with a lot more goals than anyone within the current Newcastle squad have this season, so would he would seem an obvious upgrade.

Something that may be concerning though is that Newcastle may have to move swiftly because Fabrizio Romano has reported that Leao and Milan are in talks over a new contract, but one could imagine that PIF and Newcastle could offer higher wages, especially if they end up paying what appears to be a majorly cut-price deal.

At 22, Leao may see this is a great time to enter the Premier League, especially with a club like Newcastle as they will be on the up if they manage to avoid relegation this season and could become serious players in England and Europe in a few years if they get their recruitment right, which could start with bringing in a talented striker such as Leao.

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