Newcastle United told to ‘break the budget’ to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk after £87.5m reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has warned Newcastle United they will “have to be prepared to break the budget” to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk with Shakhtar Donetsk “holding all the cards right now”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 21-year-old could be worth a club-record fee if he helps them secure a Champions League berth.
Football Insider revealed last week (11 November) that Newcastle United are laying the groundwork to sign Shakhtar sensation Mudryk as they target an A-list left-sided star.
Speaking to The Athletic (16 November), Shakhtar chief Dario Srna warned potential suitors that the winger will cost €100million (£87.5million) – citing the transfers of Jack Grealish and Antony.
In an interview with Sport Arena after those quotes surfaced (16 November), Mudryk admitted he was “shocked” by his price tag and claimed his “dream” of playing in the Premier League had been “wounded” by Shakhtar’s demands.
The Ukraine international has notched eight goals and eight assists in 16 games so far this season.
Whelan suggested Newcastle could lose out on their man if they decline the opportunity to sign him in January.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Newcastle are in a really good position and they’re ahead of schedule in that project right now.
“But January is a notoriously difficult window to get transfers done. Shakhtar hold all the cards right now.
“If you desperately want him and need him, then Newcastle have to be prepared to break the budget.
“That’s what the January window is. You’re paying above and beyond, but if you’re serious about finishing in the top four – it could be worth it.
“If you leave it, he could go somewhere else.
“To get in there first and in January, I think Newcastle will have to cave to those demands.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire salutes “significant” new Newcastle United deal as windfall revealed.