Newcastle United continues to cast a wide net in its search for attacking reinforcements as the club looks to strengthen the squad further before the start of the 2026-27 season.
The Magpies have landed a few youngsters and have been linked with many forwards in recent weeks, and they might now be among several Premier League clubs monitoring one of Scandinavian football’s most prolific young strikers.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle is tracking FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju,
with the Danish club willing to sell him this summer—but only for a record-breaking transfer fee.
Bailey reports Midtjylland has already rejected a €25 million offer from the Saudi Pro League and will only consider bids that surpass the current record outgoing transfer from Danish football.
However, Newcastle won’t have it easy. The report says that there will be competition from Leeds United, Everton, Fulham and Brentford, with all four clubs, along with the Magpies, having closely monitored the 22-year-old over the past year.
“Sources have confirmed to us that Newcastle, Leeds, Everton, Fulham and Brentford have all been doing work on the 22-year-old as they weigh up potential offers before the transfer window closes,” Bailey wrote.
Franculino has emerged as one of Denmark’s brightest attacking talents since joining Midtjylland from Benfica on a free in 2023, scoring 55 goals in 107 appearances. Right now, he’s valued at €22 million on Transfermarkt.
After a knee injury disrupted a potential January move, Bailey reports the Guinea-Bissau international is fully fit again and has quickly reignited interest by scoring twice during preseason victories over Cardiff City and OB.
“Any club hoping to prise one of Denmark’s brightest stars away from Herning will have to make history by lodging the biggest transfer offer Danish football has ever received,” Bailey wrote.
With Newcastle continuing to evaluate options across multiple positions this summer, Franculino has reportedly become one of the latest names under consideration, although this move would sit more with other long-term transfers already completed rather than with someone who could make an immediate impact.
Franculino is yet another young forward reportedly on Newcastle’s radar, but would you take a chance on his long-term potential or prefer the club to spend its money on a more proven goalscorer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
