Newcastle have been linked with two sensational moves for current internationals in the overseas press. Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Dortmund winger Thorgan Hazard are both available at cut prices with Newcastle in hiding.
The French team, via Receive French football news, claims Rabiot hit Newcastle’s radar after asking to leave Turin. He is entering the final year of his contract and could find his place at risk as Paul Pogba returns.
There is reason to be skeptical with another link to Rabiot, which has been singled out as a target since news of the takeover became public. The 27-year-old earns between £175,000 and £225,000 a week from the various reports I’ve been able to track down. This report indicates that he is one of the highest earners in Italy.
Newcastle are unlikely to blow their wage structure to add the France international despite being available for just £13-17million. Chelsea and Manchester United are also credited with interest, which appear to be more viable destinations.
sports witness cited a claim from Bild in Germany that Thorgan Hazard has become a target and that Dortmund are considering selling the 29-year-old for around £12million. Newcastle are after a wide striker with Moussa Diaby overpriced.
The Belgium international’s contract expires in 2024 but he has just completed two disappointing campaigns. Hazard has only 9 goals and 7 assists since the start of the 2020/21 season compared to 19 goals and 26 assists from 2018-2020.
European outlets don’t seem to have figured out that Newcastle aren’t going to lure Manchester City in and buy immediate success. Bild claim that Hazard earns around £113,000 a week, which is ‘peanuts’ compared to what he would earn at Newcastle.
Newcastle also want to reduce the average age of the squad. So a player approaching 30 with inflated wages is not on the agenda this summer. Although Hazard is versatile and talented, he’s probably not a serious target for The Magpies.
