Newcastle handed key boost to sign Antonio Nusa as Roma’s fear comes true
Newcastle handed key boost to sign Antonio Nusa as Roma’s fear comes true
Newcastle United have been forced to focus on their midfield for much of the summer, but now that Aladji Bamba has arrived, they’ve got the chance to turn their attention towards Antonio Nusa.
The RB Leipzig winger enjoyed an impressive World Cup with Norway and that followed a solid campaign for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Now, he could be on the move in a big-money deal.
He wouldn’t be the first Bundesliga winger to arrive at St James’ Park this summer, either, given that Bazoumana Toure has already been signed and sealed.
| What people have said about Antonio Nusa | |
|---|---|
| Ex-coach Gaute Larsen on Nusa compared to Erling Haaland | “When you look back to when they were both 14-15 years old, I feel Antonio was the greater talent.” |
| Former Club Brugge manager Ronny Deila in 2024 | “He brings colour to a team and can be very good, but he’s barely 18 and needs time. Soon, you’ll be comparing him to Haaland, which shouldn’t be the case.” |
| Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schäfer in 2024 | “Antonio fits perfectly with RB Leipzig’s DNA. He is young, has potential for development, is very ambitious and willing to learn. This makes him one of the best players of his generation in Europe, without a doubt.” |
No one can doubt Nusa’s talent and that was on show for all to see at the World Cup. For once, it also seems like Newcastle are in a strong position to land their target and complete a hijack of their own. Whether that lasts the test of time remains to be seen, however.
Newcastle steal pole position to sign Antonio Nusa
According to Corriere della Sera in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have stolen the lead in the race for Nusa, leaving AS Roma devastated.
The Italian club have been fearing a hijack from St James’ Park and are now watching those fears come true, with the Magpies among the frontrunners to land the Norway international.
What doesn’t help Roma is the price that Leipzig are demanding. The Serie A club are in no position to match the winger’s €60m (£51m) price-tag and that hands Newcastle, who will have no trouble matching such a fee, a major boost.
Although Nusa is still someone who’s working on end product after nine goal involvements last season, the fact that just one player enjoyed more successful dribbles in the Bundesliga last season suggests that the rise in output is only inevitable.
Newcastle launch move for James Tavernier
It’s not just youthful exuberance that Newcastle are targeting this summer. The Magpies have also reportedly launched their move to sign James Tavernier on a free deal.
With competition from the MLS and Aston Villa, the Tyneside club have set their sights on the right-back, who is still a free agent after leaving Rangers at the end of last season.
Following Kieran Trippier’s departure, another experienced defender certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea at St James’ Park.
