Newcastle United are in for a wonderkid who has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi
(Image credit: PA)
Newcastle United are looking like the most likely destination of a Turkish wonderkid compared to Lionel Messi.
The Magpies have brought in plenty of big stars since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia bought the club in 2021, signing the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes for big money. But there's been a concerted effort, too, to keep one eye on the future.
Australian youngster Garang Kuol was signed only to be loaned out in January, while Anthony Gordon has made a big switch from Everton and is being eased into the side.
Newcastle have bought several younger stars with an eye for building for the future (Image credit: Getty Images)
Now, the Daily Mail are reporting that Newcastle United are looking at bringing in Fenerbahce star Arda Guler as a spark of creativity high up the pitch, as Eddie Howe looks to evolve his side.
According to the report, the 'Turkish Lionel Messi' could be available for under £5 million, due to a clause in his contract that states he can leave for less money for completing fewer minutes in the Super Lig.
While Newcastle have enjoyed a spectacular season and look to be on the brink of clinching Champions League football, creativity has been lacking at times. The Telegraph has linked James Maddison with a blockbuster move, as Toon boss Howe looks for solutions for cutting open teams in different ways.
Guler is a particularly deft playmaker who can function at No.10 but may be remoulded into a wide player or a midfielder. He has also drawn comparisons with former team-mate Mesut Ozil in his short career thus far.
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Arda Guler is on Newcastle's radar (Image credit: Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
