Newcastle United wanted to spend all of the money that they received from Bruno Guimaraes’ sale this summer on Porto’s Victor Froholt.
Friday’s print edition of BOLD reports the 20-year-old was at the top of Newcastle’s list as they look to replace their Brazilian star following his move to Arsenal.
Froholdt’s ‘dynamic abilities’ are attracting the attention of the big clubs. The expectation is that he will become the most expensive Danish player of all tie at some point.
His current deal includes an €85m release clause and there’s an expectation that a deal around that price will happen before long.
Newcastle United effort
This year he is staying at Porto, and it would take something dramatic for that to change. Newcastle United did show an interest this summer. Indeed, they were among the ‘hottest and most serious’ suitors.
Back in May, BOLD reported that Newcastle were one of three sides who had fallen ‘in love’ with the youngster. That led to a ‘specific approach’ from the Magpies.
The Magpies made their move when it became clear that Bruno Guimaraes was departing. As BOLD understands it, Newcastle were ‘ready to spend all the money’ on the 20-year-old Dane. They would have paid his buyout clause.
Magpies rejected
But while Newcastle were keen – and Porto couldn’t do anything about the release clause – Froholdt was not keen. He ‘prioritised 300 days of sunshine over 300 rainy days in northeast England’.
It was more than that, of course. He preferred to defend the title in Portugal, play in the Champions League and was unsure about the Newcastle project in general. The Magpies would have been a step up in terms of league level, but it was viewed as an uncertain path at this point.
So, he turned down the offer – for now – preferring to stay in Portugal despite Newcastle United being willing to spend big to get him.
