Newcastle shift focus to West Ham star in £75m summer move | OneFootball

Newcastle Eye Kudus as Summer Heir to Right-Flank Ambitions

Positive EFL Cup bounce brings transfer momentum

Newcastle United’s return to relevance has been measured in more than just silverware. Their EFL Cup success and top-four finish have reignited belief at St James’ Park, prompting the board and recruitment team to prepare for a proactive and targeted summer transfer window.

According to Football Fancast, the club are working through a four-player wish list: a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre-back, a right-winger and a versatile forward. As journalist Keith Downie explains, the additions are deemed essential unless Newcastle are forced into reactive deals in the event of high-profile exits such as Bruno Guimarães or Anthony Gordon.

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While Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has long been viewed as the frontrunner for the right-wing slot, recent developments have brought a new name into sharper focus — West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus now seen as viable alternative to Mbeumo

Pete O’Rourke, speaking to Football Insider, claims Newcastle “can afford” Kudus’ £75 million release clause, though there’s belief they can negotiate a reduced price, particularly due to West Ham’s financial position and Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus,” O’Rourke said. “As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy.”

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With Manchester United reportedly in pole position for Mbeumo, Newcastle have shifted attention towards Kudus. While stylistically different, both players offer dynamic attacking attributes. Kudus, who has been praised for his dribbling, explosiveness, and power, may lack Mbeumo’s consistency, but certainly matches his ceiling.

Player profile makes Kudus a compelling fit

Kudus is no unknown quantity in Premier League circles. His performances at West Ham have prompted widespread recognition, with teammate Aaron Cresswell once remarking: “He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet… You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

This versatility and raw athleticism make Kudus a compelling fit for a Newcastle system that thrives on transitional moments and physical intensity. He is more than just a stopgap solution; he could be the cornerstone of a restructured attack.

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Market realities could make deal feasible

With Newcastle’s Champions League campaign secured, there’s every incentive to add proven quality. While £75 million may be excessive in this market, there’s growing confidence that West Ham will listen to offers significantly below that threshold.

Ultimately, if Mbeumo ends up at Old Trafford, Kudus becomes more than just Plan B — he is a statement of intent. A signing that signals Newcastle’s continued ambition and confidence in the recruitment model that helped them climb from mid-table stagnation to European contenders.

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Missing out on Mbeumo would hurt, no question — he’s a proven Premier League performer. But Kudus? He feels like the sort of wild card who could blow the doors off this project.

What’s exciting is how well he’d slot into Eddie Howe’s system. We’ve seen what the coaching staff have done with players like Joelinton and Isak — give Kudus that kind of attention, and the sky’s the limit. His close control in tight spaces and that burst of acceleration? Perfect for unlocking deep defences, something Newcastle have struggled with when teams sit back at St James’.

And let’s be honest, they’re past the point of shopping small. If they want to compete with the best, they need players who believe they belong at the top. Kudus has that swagger. He’s got Champions League-level flair. This would be a proper signal to the rest of the league that Newcastle aren’t just here for the ride — they’re building something serious.