In February, Bolavip reported Newcastle United were keen on signing Millonarios FC’s Néiser Villarreal. A month later, we covered claims from Spain that the Premier League club and Watford were chasing the 20-year-old.
Villarreal has a contract expiring at the end of this year. On September 9th, he signed a pre-contract agreement with Cruzeiro to join them on a free transfer in January.
Fast forward to October and a ‘confidential’ report from Wednesday’s edition of Sport talks about Newcastle, Barcelona and other clubs’ failing to sign him.
The La Liga winners gathered positive reports about the youngster, who was offered to them by an intermediary. His contract situation made him a ‘market opportunity’.
Hansi Flick’s side looked at the striker initially for their youth team. They weren’t able to get the deal over the line because of their finances and Barcelona Atlètic’s [B team] relegation to the fourth division.
As well as Barca, Newcastle, Atlético Madrid and FC Porto all came ‘very close’ to securing his services months ago. Los Rojiblancos even reached an agreement with Millonarios.
Sport report the young talent’s valuation has rocketed after starring for Colombia at the U20 World Cup. He scored a brace in their 3-1 win over South Africa and a hat-trick in the 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Spain.
Cruzeiro are rubbing their hands, and should Newcastle United now return then a transfer will be more expensive.
