Newcastle could sign an “absurdly skilful” £52m Vinicius Jr. replica

In 2024, the Magpies will be eager to add a plethora of elite players.

Newcastle United’s ability to maintain their strong performance in spite of a slew of injuries to important players is a credit to the teamwork and camaraderie that manager Eddie Howe has fostered over the previous two years.

Newcastle has been outstanding all season long, rebounding from an early-season setback that resulted in a three-game losing streak in the Premier League. They are currently only four points behind Liverpool and Arsenal in the top four.

Even though the Magpies’ chances of making it to the knockout stage of the Champions League have been hampered by consecutive losses to Borussia Dortmund, they are still very much in the running with two games remaining and are only three points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain despite finishing bottom of the group.

The defeat to the fierce Yellow Wall this past week was devastating, to be sure, but Howe’s worn-out team has suffered so many injuries that it’s a miracle they’re still in this situation.

In fact, less than a week ago, in the Premier League, an injured Newcastle club defeated Arsenal at St. James’ Park to earn three points; just a few days prior, the Tyneside team’s rotational lineup stunned Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, winning 3-0.

However, let’s face it: depth is a must for success at the greatest level, and Given Newcastle’s current problems, Howe is unlikely to accomplish everything he can this season.

Rayan Cherki of Lyon is one of the players that United is rumored to be interested in moving, thus they will undoubtedly be active in the market the following year.

Newcastle transfer news – Rayan Cherki

As previously reported this week, Football Insider claims that Newcastle and division rival Manchester United will engage in a transfer competition for Cherki, with both teams monitoring the player’s progress.

The 20-year-old Cherki has been a phenomenal presence for Les Gones over the past few years. Chelsea expressed interest in signing him in the summer, but they were eventually unable to convince the Ligue 1 outfit to sell.

Cherki, whose contract expires in 2025 and who is valued at £52 million according to the CIES Football Observatory valuation model, may be inclined to leave Lyon, which is now languishing in last place in the French premier division after a dismal season.

Rayan Cherki’s style of play

Cherki has made 112 senior appearances for Lyon and has recorded 14 goals and 17 assists. In all competitions last season, he started 21 games and finished with five goals and six assists.

Journalist Tom Williams has praised the £60k-per-week jewel for his “absurdly skilful” maneuvers and tricks. His dynamism helps him succeed across the frontline, which may be vital in persuading Howe to make his transfer.

Cherki, who is well-known for his grace and amazing dribbling, is also deft with two feet and comfortable putting his creativity and goal-scoring abilities first.

With players like Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, the Magpies have strengthened their attacking ranks this season; nevertheless, Cherki might be the icing on the cake, serving as the primary frontman’s complement to Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

Cherki is undoubtedly a gifted player with abilities that compare to some of the most cunning weavers in European football, and considering that he is still very early in his career, there is a lot to be thrilled about.

And if Howe could persuade him to relocate to Tyneside, the Frenchman might be developed into a fantastic outlet who would provide a fresh perspective to the group.

With all the skill the Toon manager has at his disposal, Cherki would add an inborn flare and inventiveness that might outdo the team’s present roster.

The stats that show Rayan Cherki would be a good signing for Newcastle

Even though Cherki is having difficulties right now, given the extent of his team’s defeat this season, he has nevertheless managed to provide a respectable amount of work, finishing 82% of his passes and averaging 2.1 shots and 1.2 crucial passes per game, according to Sofascore.

Howe, who continues to try to impact the play and encourage his frontal peers, is aware that this up-and-coming talent is not afraid to put up a fight.

It seems like Newcastle might land a real gem in Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, who is rated as a player who is similar to the Lyon guy. He is a creative force that can attack defenses with menace and unleash a barrage of imaginative goals.

Cherki, in terms of shots taken, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, progressive passes and successful take-ons, and passes attempted per ninety, is among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the previous year, according to FBref.

In contrast, Vinicius Jr. is in the top 1% for progressive carries, successful take-ons, and touches in the attacking box per 90, and he is among the top 2% for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions.

Without a doubt, the Brazilian genius is now among the most prolific players in European football and is of the highest caliber.

Vinicius Jr., who is still only 23 years old, has shown remarkable incremental growth since his first days in the Spanish capital. Although the 2018–19 season yielded better results than the two campaigns that followed, he mostly played off the bench and inflates his stats with some convincing victories over weaker opponents in the Copa del Rey.

However, he made a strong debut and is now Los Blancos’ star center-forward, living up to the accolades bestowed upon him by his renowned compatriot Ronaldinho in 2019, when the former Barcelona player declared him to be “among the best” in the world in a matter of years.

This is actually extremely true, and Cherki too may secure a place among the best in the league if he can replicate the Madrid player’s success at St. James’ Park by increasing his output to higher heights.