Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe’s reported interest in long-term target James Maddison and Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic continues to make headlines – but may not make sense, given the Magpies’ spending last summer.
However, there are alternatives to Maddison and Pulisic available whose arrival would not see United break the bank – or Financial Fair Play rules.
Here, we look at three players who would come cheaper than the Leicester midfielder and USA international, but would not necessarily offer significantly less on the pitch than either player.
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Houssem Aouar
Lyon’s Aouar is a name that has been linked with Newcastle for a while now, operates in a role very similar to that of Maddison, but would be far, far cheaper in January, as he enters the final six months of his contract. Despite playing just six games for L’OL this season due to a falling out with former manager Peter Bosz, the 24-year-old is hot property and is also being watched by the likes of AC Milan.
Aouar has proven both in France and in Europe that he is an elite carrier of the ball and one of the most talented dribblers in Ligue 1, completing 2.31 per90. The Frenchman also competes 4.62 passes into the final third per90, putting him in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe and a potentially perfect partner for former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
Jhon Arias
Arias could be a left-field alternative – in every sense - to Pulisic in January after a hugely impressive 2022 for Brazilian side Fluminense. The Colombian, 25, who is happiest on the left wing but can operate right across the midfield and front-line, was the most productive player in Brazilian domestic football, with 33 goals and assists in 61 appearances across all competitions.
That form has earned him a place in the Colombia squad, and he was man of the match – deputising for Leeds winger Luis Sinisterra – when they played Miggy Almiron’s Paraguay in a friendly on the eve of the World Cup. Arias would also come at a very attractive price tag, which is estimated at around £7.5m – although Newcastle might have to expect being charged a little more, given their wealth.
Lovro Majer
Even before Qatar 2022, Croatian international Lovro Majer could have been said to be a viable alternative to Maddison amid a very impressive season in French Ligue 1 for Rennes. But the 24-year-old’s star has risen again after his involvement in all five of Croatia’s World Cup games en route to the semi-finals.
Regarded by many as Croatia’s heir apparent to Luca Modric, Majer already has huge experience of his own, and his technical skills and ability to unlock deep blocks could be invaluable for Newcastle when they struggle to unlock defensive teams. Similar to Aouar, Majer is a great ball carrier and ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for progressive carries per90 (8.68), assists per90 (0.39) and non-penalty xG and xA per90 (0.49).
Price-wise, Rennes would probably be looking to more than double their money after paying around £11m for Majer last summer. But that would still make him a hugely cheaper option than Maddison.
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