Newcastle United may be on a six-week hiatus from competitive action but that does not halt preparations for the upcoming transfer window. There are just four fixtures until Eddie Howe can bolster his squad in January.
An unprecedented winter World Cup presents the perfect audition for players hoping to catch the eye of Premier League clubs. The Saudi-backed takeover has allowed Newcastle to fish in the same pond as Europe’s elite, with Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak the marquee arrivals so far.
Fresh talent always emerges at the World Cup, often causing players’ value to skyrocket in the following window. Ahead of the tournament, ChronicleLive has profiled nine players to keep tabs on who may interest Newcastle in the New Year.
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Cody Gakpo - Netherlands
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were keen on PSV sensation Gakpo in the summer. Nine goals and 12 assists this season have only added to the intrigue, with the winger heading to Qatar and one of the World Cup’s most in-form players.
Should the Netherlands go far, Gakpo will have likely played his part.
Takefusa Kubo - Japan
Hailed as “the Japanese Messi” when breaking through Barcelona’s La Masia system, Kubo has struggled to live up to the hype so far. Still just 22, he is reinventing himself at Real Sociedad and is integral to Japan’s hopes.
Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal
Sarr is on Spurs’ books but is yet to make a senior appearance. Currently on loan at Metz, the midfielder already has 10 caps for Senegal. With Sadio Mane injured, could he step up to the plate?
Ricardo Pepi – USA
A talented United States team are placed in England and Wales’ group - so Pepi will have his chance to shine in front of a British audience. He is currently on loan at Eredivisie club FC Groningen.
Enzo Fernandez - Argentina
Many punters have backed Argentina to clinch their third World Cup trophy and help Lionel Messi end the GOAT debate. A product of Benfica’s academy, Fernandez could explode if given a chance to shine.
Jonathan David - Canada
Like the US, Canada are also starting to produce talented footballers. Despite his tender age, David has scored 41 goals in 111 games for Lille.
Josko Gvardiol - Croatia
The Leipzig defender is on loan at Dinamo Zagreb and has 12 caps for Croatia. Versatility is Gvardiol’s strength as he can operate at centre-back, left-back and even in midfield.
Manuel Ugarte - Uruguay
Ugarte signed for Sporting Lisbon last season and is part of a promising group of Uruguayan players. Many believe the two-time champions, led by Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and Real Madrid star Federico Valverde, are dark horses to pull off a shock.
Strahinja Pavlovic - Serbia
A no-nonsense defender, Pavlovic will be at the heart of Serbia’s backline. Former Toon favourite Aleksandar Mitrovic will be leading the line in attack.
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