Newcastle interested in signing Kaio Jorge - Report

On paper, the attacking trio of Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Will Osula is a very exciting set of strikers at Eddie Howe’s disposal, and one of the most unique, varied combinations of players on display in the Premier League.

But considering our packed fixture list this season, coupled Wissa’s recent injury and expected AFCON campaign, it’s perhaps no surprise to hear the recent reports that we could be looking for a fresh striker option in the January transfer window.

Right now, the market for an experienced, Premier League-proven option is horrendous. It will leave us having to find another player of Woltemade’s calibre to bring into the league and develop to become the player we need.

And a new report is linking us with one of the most prolific players in South America: an exciting prospect who could be the next in a growing line of success stories to make the switch to the Premier League…

Newcastle eyeing another Brazilian?

According to Brazilian outlet Gavea News, Newcastle have joined the race to sign striker Kaio Jorge from Cruzeiro, who has already attracted interest from within the Premier League.

It’s perhaps best taken with a pinch of salt for now, but the report claims we could launch a £35m bid to sign the 23-year-old, though he is reportedly content at his current club.

Jorge is enjoying a stellar season for Cruzeiro, being the top scorer in both the Brazilian top flight and the Copa do Brazil, and was called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the National Team.

He’s pushing to be the Seleçao’s starting striker for next summer’s World Cup, although Chelsea’s Joao Pedro is currently the leading contender.

West Ham also have Jorge on their radar, and with a contract running through until December 2028, Jorge could prove to be a difficult purchase to pull off.

Another striker one to watch?

With reports hinting that we could play Woltemade in a deeper role in the near future, there is an opportunity for an out-and-out striker like Jorge to come in and compete with Wissa.

You only have to look at the likes of Julian Alvarez and, more recently, Igor Jesus at Nottingham Forest that South America is still a hotbed for promising strikers ready to make the jump to Europe.

Jorge could very well be the next big name to come from the continent, even if he had a short, unsuccessful loan spell at Juventus a few years ago.

The future of Will Osula on Tyneside could also be something to factor in here: it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a club like Eintracht Frankfurt return with a bid to sign him next summer, particularly after his much-improved performances this season compared to last season.

Should Osula leave, we will desperately need to bring in a third striker to rotate with Woltemade and Wissa, so Jorge will absolutely be one to watch come January.