Franculino: Newcastle eye Midtjylland and Guinea-Bissau forward in €22m move

Franculino, the Guinea-Bissau and Portugal forward currently at FC Midtjylland, is being linked with a summer move to Premier League side Newcastle United. The 22-year-old centre-forward, who wears the No 7 shirt for the Danish champions, is understood to be on the English club’s radar as they assess striking options for the new season.

The left-footed attacker has been one of the standout performers in the Danish Superliga since joining Midtjylland in July 2023. He has scored 29 league goals in 52 Superliga appearances, including a recent campaign in which he finished as the division’s top scorer with 17 goals as Midtjylland won the title. He also has Europa League experience, with four goals across 11 appearances in the competition.

Born in Bissau on 28 June 2004, Franculino progressed through Benfica’s youth ranks before moving to Midtjylland on a free transfer from Benfica’s U23 side. His form in Denmark has seen his market valuation rise sharply, with his current value estimated at around €22 million.

Franculino’s impact has been recognised with silverware as well as goals, playing a part in Midtjylland’s league triumph in 2023-24 and their subsequent Danish Cup win in 2025-26. His performances in European qualifiers, where he has scored in both Champions League and Europa League qualifying rounds, are also thought to appeal to Newcastle as they weigh up a potential bid.

Any deal is likely to be complicated by the player’s long-term contract, which runs until 31 December 2029, placing Midtjylland in a strong position in any negotiations.