The Championship star Newcastle could look to sign this summer – An ideal fit?

Newcastle’s need to upgrade their squad is no secret, and on top of adding star quality, it’s imperative that the club adds additional players who will beef up the squad, who also have potential to become stars themselves.

The Championship is a league host to an abundance of talent; you only need to look at current Premier League stars bought from the Championship to see this, for example players like Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, James Maddison and Michael Olise.

Following reports linking Newcastle to Norwich City star Jonathan Rowe, I’ve taken a closer look at the England Youth international and why he could be such a good fit for Eddie Howe’s Mags. The talented winger is currently stalling over new contract talks at Norwich. His contract expires in 2025, meaning he could be available this summer at a cut-price fee: a market opportunity too good to pass up for a Newcastle side fighting FFP and in need of wingers.

ATHLETICISM – His athleticism is very impressive: he can ride physical contact with ease, has a great initial burst of speed, is quick, great leap, and possesses great balance. Watch how easily and quickly he shifts his bodyweight in this brilliant goal below:

𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘵… 🕹 pic.twitter.com/nqp7NjXiAz

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 13, 2024

VERSATILITY – Despite often operating on the left, he is capable of playing on the right and in behind the striker. He loves playing/receiving in the half-space and making things happen. He suits this role with his top-quality solution-finding, as seen below:

Jonathan Rowe. ⚡️ #NCFC pic.twitter.com/6YDi953QcS

— NorwichHub (@thenorwichhub) January 12, 2024

As well as being great in both half spaces, he’s also good at “traditional” wing play: playing wide on the touchline and running at defenders. He is direct and confident; occasionally leading to mistakes in decision making, but ones that can be coached out of his game.

SHOOTING – Rowe generates lots of shot power, often off very little stride. He’s a good ball-striker and adapts his shot type well, as seen with the trivela goal before. He already has 13 goals this season; this one highlighting his strengths well:

"WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GOAL!"

Jonathan Rowe puts Norwich ahead! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QuCedjQkq7

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 20, 2023

DRIBBLING – Rowe is a great dribbler: comfortable in tight spaces, great body contortion, close control. A lot of his creativity comes from running at players and making stuff happen. He’s creative from both sides.

PRESSING – Jonathan Rowe is incredibly hardworking, and puts in the graft defensively. This would obviously be very appealing to Eddie Howe, and I have no doubts he could adjust to Newcastle’s system with ease.

RECRUITMENT STRATEGY – Rowe would slot into Newcastle’s model very well, particularly with his contract situation: he wouldn’t cost a lot, and has a top ceiling. All this whilst already possessing a level that would impact the Premier League from minute one:

Doubling the lead 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Y2mATxXdMO

— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) September 30, 2023

IMPORTANT NOTES – He can improve, but is of course still 20, meaning he has plenty of time to do so. Some of his decision making isn’t the best, but generally he is very well-rounded as an attacker. Recently he picked up a “serious” hamstring injury, and might not be back before the end of the season, which is worth considering.

Overall, I do believe there are “better” players for Newcastle on the market, however Jonathan Rowe’s ability to play across the entire frontline for such a cheap price makes it definitely worth looking at. There’ll be lots of competition on the market for players such as Bakayoko and therefore Rowe would be a smart and cheaper alternative; a player who would raise the floor of our squad while having the potential to become an absolute star at the club.

Jonathan Rowe would be a great signing, so long as he recovers well. He’s hungry to improve, versatile, and I think he has the potential to play for England someday. Mix that with his contract situation and our need for another versatile winger and he could be a superb signing this summer.