According to journalist Dominic Scurr, Newcastle United making a move for Armando Broja could happen later in the window if the Magpies explore a loan deal rather than a permanent signing.
Broja has been a top target for several Premier League teams after his impressive season during the 2021/22 campaign, where he broke out as a top young prospect in the league.
Newcastle have been exploring the possibilities of bringing in the 20-year-old on a loan next season, but face competition from the likes of West Ham United and Everton, who are both looking to sign Broja on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
Scurr believes that while Chelsea will not entertain a loan deal with the prospect of a permanent deal for the striker, this could be a deal that the Magpies explore later in the window if no such deal gets done beforehand.
He said on the Loaded Mag NUFC YouTube channel: “He wants his future decided. Thomas Tuchel wanted to take a look at him before making a decision, and obviously Everton, West Ham are circling at the moment.
“Newcastle obviously approached things from a loan perspective; Chelsea won’t entertain that at this stage, particularly when you’ve got two clubs lining up looking to take him permanently.
“It’s still one, I think, in regard to a loan, Newcastle could potentially explore later in the window, but in terms of the near future, while there is interest to take him permanently, Newcastle would probably have to equal that sort of thing and look to take him permanently if they want to get him in the near future. But it’s one that certainly could happen.”
TIF Thoughts on Broja to Newcastle…
Newcastle need to bring in a striker this summer as they only have Callum Wilson and Chris Wood to fill the position next season, so bringing in a player like Broja on loan could be a great solution given his age, while a loan can effectively be a trial run to test whether he fits into the squad under Eddie Howe.
Broja shone during the early spells of last season at Southampton before his form began to level out towards the back-end of the campaign. The Albanian bagged nine goals and one assist in all competitions for the Saints while averaging 1.5 shots and 1.1 dribbles per game, as well as placing in the 86th percentile for aerial duels and the 81st for dribbles completed, according to FBRef.
While Broja did show his class at the beginning of last season, he failed to score in any of his last 13 Premier League appearances for Southampton. With this in mind, it makes sense for Newcastle to explore a loan deal, which is safer for their investment, but they could struggle as West Ham and Everton are pushing for permanent deals, reportedly at around £30m.
Therefore, while Scurr maintains that a move is possible, it does appear that Broja’s destiny is out of Newcastle’s hands as it stands.
Should Newcastle sign Broja?Yes
No
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