Newcastle United set to battle rivals in the race to sign striker – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle monitoring Samu as FC Porto striker’s Premier League links resurface

Newcastle United’s forward planning continues to reflect a club determined to compete with England’s elite, and their reported interest in FC Porto striker Samu underlines that intent. The Spanish forward, now thriving in Portugal, could easily have been lining up in the Premier League this season. According to A Bola, Newcastle made enquiries over the summer, testing Porto’s resolve to keep their prolific frontman.

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Samu’s route from near Chelsea move to Porto success

The story of Samu’s rise has the twists and turns that typify the modern transfer market. In August 2024, Fabrizio Romano declared “here we go” on what was expected to be a £40 million move to Chelsea after a successful loan at Alavés. Medical tests were even completed under the London club’s supervision, yet hesitation from Chelsea saw the deal collapse.

Left in limbo at Atlético Madrid, Samu and his representatives began searching for a new opportunity. A Bola revealed that Nottingham Forest, then managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, held multiple meetings with the player’s camp in both Madrid and London. Despite their efforts, Samu was not convinced by the project. His ambitions were higher, and he made it clear he wanted to compete at a club capable of challenging for major trophies.

That hesitation opened the door and FC Porto swooped in with a €15 million offer for half of the striker’s rights, later completing a full €32 million deal. The move has proven inspired. Samu has flourished at the Estádio do Dragão, becoming the top Spanish goalscorer in the club’s history and a key figure for La Roja.

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Newcastle interest highlights ambition

Newcastle’s scouting network has grown increasingly international, and their pursuit of Samu last summer reflected a clear strategy. After missing out on several attacking targets, including moves limited by Financial Fair Play considerations, the Magpies are understood to have explored the possibility of bringing the striker to St James’ Park.

It was a tentative approach, but one that showed the club’s long-term thinking. Newcastle’s recruitment team view Samu as the type of forward capable of leading the line in European competition, combining technical excellence with relentless work rate. His performances in Portugal, including a hat-trick against Celoricense, have made him a standout in continental scouting reports.

A Bola notes that Samu’s current deal runs until 2029 with a €100 million release clause, a figure that would require serious investment. Porto, as ever, will not sell cheaply, and Newcastle would need to balance any move carefully within their financial model.

Premier League attention grows

Samu’s development continues to draw admiration from English clubs. Chelsea and Tottenham have been linked again, though his previous experience with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy makes a return to England via Chelsea unlikely. Aston Villa were also monitoring him before Fair Play restrictions curtailed their spending.

For Newcastle, who have been hampered by injuries to key forwards and are eager to add quality depth ahead of their European ambitions, Samu remains a viable future target. His blend of composure and creativity suits the club’s tactical identity under Eddie Howe, who has repeatedly spoken of the need for competition and flexibility in attack.

Porto benefit from calculated move

What makes Samu’s story remarkable is how his career pivoted from near obscurity to continental prominence in a single year. Porto offered him stability, structure and a platform that he has seized. Newcastle’s interest reflects recognition of that progress.

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If the Magpies decide to reignite their pursuit, they will find themselves competing not just financially but culturally for a player who values progression and purpose. As A Bola reports, Samu’s ambitions go beyond financial reward. He seeks a project that matches his drive, a quality Newcastle’s recent evolution could soon represent.

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Samu seems the archetype of what Newcastle need: a dynamic, clinical forward capable of operating across the front line. His success at Porto shows a player thriving under tactical structure and pressure, attributes that would translate well to the intensity of English football. The €100 million release clause feels steep, but if Newcastle qualify for Europe again, it could become a realistic investment for the next phase of their project.

For many supporters, the hope is that the club keep their radar active in Portugal and beyond. Newcastle’s previous links to Porto players like Otávio and Diogo Costa have shown that the Portuguese market can provide both value and quality. If Samu continues his rise, this could be one that fans look back on as the one that got away, or perhaps, the next great addition waiting to happen.