Lots of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media to reports by Sky Sports, claiming the club are chasing a loan-to-buy deal for RB Leipzig forward Ademola Lookman.
Head coach Steve Bruce has been prioritising the signing of a winger this month, along with efforts to add another centre-forward to his squad, and is currently in discussions with the United hierarchy over a deal for Lookman.
The 22-year-old is keen to move on from Leipzig in the January window, despite only joining the Bundesliga outfit from Everton in a £22.5million deal last summer.
Newcastle are believed to be interested in bringing Lookman back to England on an initial loan deal, though would seek an option to purchase the winger at the end of the term for an undisclosed fee.
Would you back a loan-to-buy move for Lookman?
Yes
No
Leipzig had long chased the winger’s signature following Lookman’s half-season on loan at the club in 2017/18, but were denied in their efforts as the Toffees’ asking price was greater than their best offer.
Lookman scored five goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances during his six-months at the Red Bull Arena, though returned to Goodison Park and struggled for game time with former boss Marco Silva only awarding him 601 minutes in the Premier League.
The former England U21 international’s permanent move to Germany has not seen Lookman fare well either, with Julian Nagelsmann only handing him one start in three Bundesliga outings from a possible 17 – last coming on October 26.
Bruce acquiring Lookman would add a natural and versatile winger to his ranks, as the Charlton Athletic product is capable of playing on either side of the field, along with as a central supporting option to the striker.
His best position by goals scored would be on the left, with 18 goals in 53 appearances to three in 27 on the right and two in 22 through any central role. Lookman is stronger on the right for creating, though, with five assists to four on the left and none through the centre over his professional career.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Sky’s report of interest in Lookman…
It’s a striker we desperately need
— Liam ⚫️⚪️ (@LiamNUFC1998) January 7, 2020
Again not a proven striker…… He is another Almrion and Saint-Maximin. We need an out and out striker who is going to get us 10 goals from now till the end of the season.
— ryan hunt (@Rhunt92) January 7, 2020
Like the thought of Lookman, Almiron and Saint-Maximin playing behind Carroll, running onto all the knockdowns and causing havoc with their pace. Looks good on paper anyway.
— 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 DavidL1980 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 (@L1980David) January 7, 2020
Just what we want, another prima Donna who can’t get in the team so he spits his dummy oot stamps his feet and wants away. Just the type to roll his sleeves up and stuck in?? I think not, leave him be!
— davey_S (@daveyS17594463) January 7, 2020
That’s actually a really decent and exciting potential transfer!! Probably means it’s a dead cert we won’t sign him now…🙄 #TheLifeOfANewcastleFanSinceAshley
— The Ipswich Magpie (@IpswichMagpie) January 7, 2020
Good signing if true. Could really help our lacking attacking options
— MiggyAzalea (@James_Holstead) January 7, 2020
Quality player!
— Solitaire (@SouloftheNorth) January 7, 2020
Would be a great signing. Can play on both wings, he’s decent already and talented.
— h (@hermanskkaug) January 7, 2020
I’d rather we buy Bowen
— Dell ❄️ 13-3 (@agbnufc) January 7, 2020
Good signing but do we really need a winger?
— Jonny Gray (@jgray2706) January 8, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, the club have been given little hope of landing one of Bruce’s striker targets.