German magazine Kicker is reporting that we could be lining up a summer move for Mainz striker Yoshinori Muto.
The Japanese international is said to be keen on a switch to the Premier League, three years after reportedly rejecting a transfer to Chelsea in favour of a move to Germany.
A lot of fans on Twitter were not particularly enthused about the prospect of signing the 25 year old:
Let`s get carried away. Could do with a 9 goal striker.
? Toon In Toon Out (@toonintoonout) 29 March 2018
? Al Bollands (@zutroyhere) 29 March 2018
Prolific then
? Garry Cooney (@Garry_Cooney) 29 March 2018
In 2 games tho
— Manic Dave (@scully161280) 29 March 2018
Not to mention he’s had a smashed in knee and back injury in the last year or so
? Mick Jackson (@mickrj1976) 29 March 2018
@widdymet kicker is usually reliable ^^^^^
? Derek (@Bayern_Buff) 29 March 2018
One Japanese fans was even questioning whether a move to Newcastle would be a good move for Muto:
hmm, Muto in England? not sure he is a good fit w/ Rafa at Newcastle https://t.co/M7qfSErS7G
? Takeuchi (@Takeuchee) 28 March 2018
Verdict:
Already in his mid-twenties, the forward is not exactly a spring chicken, and his goal record in the Bundesliga suggests he wouldn`t be that prolific if he were to make the move to England.
Since arriving in 2015, the Japanese star has scored seven, six and nine goals respectively in his three seasons for Mainz. Admittedly, I haven`t watched the striker in action, but it would be hard to justify his signing based on his goal record alone.
If he has other attributes that Rafa also is looking for then a move would make more sense. However, if we are going to replace Mitro in the summer though, we need to replace the Serbian with goals, and on that front Muto doesn`t fit the bill.