More assists than Gordon: Newcastle plotting move to sign "terrific" star

With PIF aiming to fast-track Newcastle United’s progress, the Magpies have reportedly set their sights on signing an attacking reinforcement who’s assisted more goals than Anthony Gordon this season.

Newcastle eyeing Murphy upgrade

Fresh from the dreamland of Wembley success, Newcastle United are seemingly looking to keep their momentum going in pursuit of Champions League qualification and the reinforcements that could follow.

Already, names such as Semih Kilicsoy and Tammy Abraham have been mentioned as targets that Paul Mitchell could chase this summer, but they could just be the start if Newcastle are unleashed from their PSR shackles at long last.

Abraham is a particularly interesting target, given his previous Premier League spell at Chelsea. The forward has endured a mixed spell in Italy since leaving Stamford Bridge, having found his form at AS Roma before injury struck and struggles arrived ever since.

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Losing him would be a major blow for the Magpies.

Now, four years on from joining the Serie A, Abraham could be on his way back to English football, courtesy of Newcastle. However, he’s not the only attacking target that the Magpies have reportedly set their sights on.

According to The i Paper, Newcastle are now plotting a summer move to sign Francisco Trincao from Sporting CP after identifying a new target to complete Eddie Howe’s frontline once and for all.

Like Abraham, Trincao has unfinished business in the Premier League after going down as a transfer flop at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021 only to steal several headlines ever since at Sporting.

Following an excellent spell in Portugal, the winger could be ready to step back into England’s top flight and offer Newcastle an instant upgrade on Jacob Murphy. As impressive as Howe’s winger has been this season, it remains to be seen whether he can match the star power of Alexander Isak, Gordon and perhaps even Trincao.

“Terrific” Trincao would complete Newcastle attack

If Newcastle are looking to step into the Champions League on a permanent basis, then signing a player of Trincao’s calibre would certainly be a good start. Dubbed “terrific” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the winger has only reached greater heights ever since and is now at the peak of his powers at 25 years old.

With more goal involvements than Gordon this season, it’s clear that Trincao has the talent to step into Howe’s strongest side if Newcastle decide to make their move this summer.

With 15 assists and nine goals to his name in all competitions, the winger would particularly thrive next to one of Europe’s best strikers in Isak, whose own numbers could increase to even greater levels next season.

On paper, a front three of Gordon, Isak and Trincao is certainly worthy of Champions League football. However, whether that proves to be the case remains to be seen, as PIF potentially flex their financial muscles once again at long last.