The perfect £60m Newcastle United swap deal that would make total sense

No matter what plays out over the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have some major calls to make as they look to strengthen at the top end of the pitch.

Although United’s preference for a forward player would be someone who can feature across the front line and function effectively in a number of positions, the primary focus will be to provide further competition for Alexander Isak. The Sweden international will head into next season as Eddie Howe’s undoubted number one striker after a barnstorming season that saw the former Real Sociedad man plunder his way to 25 goals in 40 games in all competitions - a tally that represented the best return of his career so far.

The future of Callum Wilson remains undecided as the England striker heads into the final 12 months of his current deal at St. James’ Park. Links with the likes of Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United during the January transfer window were not without foundation, and despite Howe’s hints over wishing to retain the striker’s services, it is all too clear to see a major decision is awaiting over the next two months.

Whether Wilson departs for pastures new or not, the addition of a striker and a wide player remain on the agenda for the Magpies hierarchy and there is one current member of the United squad that could prove pivotal in the search for both. It seems remarkable to think that the only time Yankuba Minteh has pulled on a black and white shirt was when he was formally announced as Newcastle’s first signing of last summer.

After being immediately dispatched on loan to Dutch giants Feyenoord, the Gambia international is currently set to return to Tyneside for pre-season training - but he will arrive with a whole host of expectation surrounding him after he impressed during his season-long stint in the Eredivisie.

Although the 19-year-old could still be considered as a raw talent and has a number of aspects of his game that require serious improvement, a return of 11 goals and six assists in 37 appearances and a Dutch Cup winners medal represents an impressive year in Rotterdam.

There are questions over how Newcastle should allow the next stage in the youngster’s development to play out, with some reports suggesting the Magpies battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations raising the prospect of a permanent sale - without the winger ever making an appearance for the club.

Howe has also hinted he wishes to assess Minteh’s progress in person by allowing the winger to take part in his side’s pre-season schedule before a firm decision is made. Feyenoord remain keen on a loan deal and clubs in Italy, Spain and the Premier League are also said to be considering a similar move for the youngster.

Although swap deals are a rarity in modern day football due to the growing complexity of transfers, United could have a possible route to aid both Minteh’s development and boost their own forward ranks. The Magpies have been linked with Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez on several occasions over the 12 last months and the thinking behind their reported interest is all too clear to see.

The 27-times capped Mexico international can boast an impressive return of 49 goals and 11 assists in 86 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch giants since moving to De Kuip Stadium from Cruz Azul in the summer of 2022. His power and presence at the top end of the pitch played a lead role in Feyenoord’s Eredivisie title win during his first season with the club and was also a part of their Dutch Cup-winning side of last season.

With interest from Premier League clubs growing after his first year at De Kuip, Feyenoord persuaded their lead striker to pen a contract extension committing him to the club until the summer of 2027. However, a serious offer from Newcastle could well tempt them into a sale and the Magpies can use Minteh as a bargaining chip in any deal. There could be a flexible approach taken to such an offer, with United able to agree to allowing the winger to spend a second season-long loan deal in the Netherlands or agreeing to a cash plus player agreement.

There could also be an agreement built into any permanent move that would see Newcastle given first refusal on future move should Feyenoord wish to allow Minteh to move on - although any option would seemingly be weighted in the Magpies favour and negotiations with the Dutch club would be far from straightforward.