We've made no secret of our desire to see Lille's Jonathan David sign for Newcastle United this summer when he leaves the League 1 side, but we've also been fairly realistic about the challenges the Toon will face.
The Canada international has been playing at a top level for years but that seems to have risen again this season after bagging 23 goals in 41 appearances for Lille this season.
It has been known for a while that the 25-year-old is going to leave Lille in the summer when his contract expires and Newcastle have long been credited with an interest in the forward.
While he was always likely to have plenty of admirers, his form this season has guaranteed a summer scramble for his signature.
We've often said that having European football to offer next season would be a big help, and while we already have that in the bag, upgrading our Europa Conference League spot to a Champions League place would certainly help.
Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, however, we'd have to find a way to convince Jonathan David to join Newcastle knowing full well he's going to be second choice striker behind Alexander Isak.
Given David's talent, we couldn't imagine he'd be happy having to play second fiddle wherever he chooses to move to in the summer, but it seems that he's more than prepared to fight for his place at a top club.
As reported by The Chronicle, Jonathan David has said that he is determined to make a wise decision and that could mean having to fight for his place.
"Obviously, with this summer going on, I am not sure if I am staying or going. But if I do end up going, I have to push myself at the very highest level.
“When you play for a big club, your position is never guaranteed and you need to fight. I am never guaranteed anywhere I go to start every game and play every game, I have to perform. I am willing to fight. I know it's an important year. It is a big decision. I will make a wise decision.”
It's great to see that he has the right attitude and it gives us a bit more confidence that we could still be in this fight for his signature.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
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29 | 42 | 70 |
2 |
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29 | 29 | 58 |
3 |
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29 | 14 | 54 |
4 |
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29 | 16 | 49 |
5 |
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29 | 15 | 48 |
6 |
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28 | 9 | 47 |
7 |
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29 | 6 | 47 |
8 |
![]() |
29 | 5 | 45 |
9 |
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29 | -4 | 45 |
10 |
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29 | 12 | 44 |
11 |
![]() |
29 | 5 | 41 |
12 |
![]() |
28 | 3 | 39 |
13 |
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29 | -3 | 37 |
14 |
![]() |
29 | 12 | 34 |
15 |
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29 | -4 | 34 |
16 |
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29 | -16 | 34 |
17 |
![]() |
29 | -18 | 26 |
18 |
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29 | -34 | 17 |
19 |
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29 | -40 | 17 |
20 |
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29 | -49 | 9 |