Newcastle United transfer news – Samuel Iling-Junior
Newcastle United is reportedly closely monitoring the situation of Samuel Iling-Junior at Juventus in anticipation of the upcoming January transfer window, as per Corriere Dello Sport via Sport Witness. The Italian publication suggests that Juventus is open to letting the winger go in the coming weeks and has even entrusted certain agents with the task of potentially finalizing a deal.
Tottenham Hotspur has also expressed interest in acquiring Iling-Junior since Juventus listed the 20-year-old for transfer. However, now it appears that the Magpies may compete with the recent victors from last Sunday for the former Chelsea academy talent.
Iling-Junior is said to carry a £20 million price tag, given that his contract with Juventus runs until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. Newcastle might have an advantage in the race for the attacker, as he shares the same agent as Kieran Trippier.
Despite making a breakthrough with Juventus last season, Iling-Junior has seen limited playing time this term, featuring in only five substitute appearances totaling 114 minutes. Consequently, a potential move seems plausible for the talented winger.
Samuel Iling-Junior’s stats
One standout feature of Iling-Junior is his versatility, as he demonstrates a remarkable ability to operate on either flank and even fulfill the role of a wingback. This quality could be a significant asset for Newcastle United, particularly under the management of Eddie Howe, offering a valuable solution in case the team faces another injury crisis. The prospect of having a young English player who can effectively cover both wings adds depth and flexibility to the squad, aligning well with Howe’s strategic considerations and potential needs for squad rotation.
Samuel Iling-Junior’s Career So Far
| Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Left-Winger | 59 | 15 | 15 |
| Left Wingback | 23 | 3 | 6 |
| Right-Winger | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| Central Midfielder | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Moreover, Iling-Junior exhibits exceptional attacking prowess. Over the course of 113 appearances in various competitions since the commencement of the 2019/20 season, encompassing youth-level games, the winger has contributed to 44 goals, comprising 21 goals and 23 assists. In contrast, Almiron, during the same four-and-a-half-year span, has notched 39 goal contributions, with 29 goals and 10 assists.
Almiron’s track record at Newcastle shows an average of one assist every 18.8 matches, while Iling-Junior boasts a significantly higher rate of one assist every five matches throughout his career. Described as “flamboyant” by football scout Jacek Kulig, Iling-Junior’s playing style aligns with the kind of wide player needed to supply the top goal-scorer with quality passes, thereby enhancing the team’s chances of winning games.
Considering Isak as the future of Newcastle United, Howe requires a wide player capable of delivering excellent balls to convert chances and secure victories. In this context, Iling-Junior emerges as a clear upgrade over Almiron, and it would be prudent for Newcastle to acquire his services at a relatively low cost in January.
