The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) could offer winger Marco Asensio a big pay rise to join Newcastle United this summer.
The Lowdown: Out of contract
Asensio’s contract at Real Madrid runs out in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent.
There has been plenty of interest shown in his signature already, namely from North London pair Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, while Newcastle themselves were linked with a move for him in the January transfer window.
The Latest: Newcastle could offer big pay rise
According to Spanish sources, the St. James’ Park outfit are still interested in a move for Asensio ahead of the summer window.
The reports details that they could offer him a more ‘succulent’ contract than he is on at Madrid, where he is thought to earn around €189,000-per-week (£167,000).
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
The Verdict: No-brainer on a free
Even though the Tynesiders signed a winger in Anthony Gordon in January, having the opportunity to sign a player of Asensio’s quality on a free transfer is one that they should be looking to take.
Hailed as a ‘spectacular’ player by his former agent Horacio Gaggioli, the 27-year-old has had such a glorious career already, winning no fewer than three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, along with a number of other major accolades.
He ranks in the top 20% for a number of key metrics among his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, and would be a valuable addition to the Magpies squad.
However, the Toon would have to make him their highest-paid player, and will not want to break their wage structure.