Croatian Striker Dion Drena Beljo On Newcastle’s Radar For January

Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Croatian striker Dion Drena Beljo as Matthias Jaissle looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the January transfer window.

The Dinamo Zagreb forward has emerged as an increasingly attractive option for several Premier League clubs following an outstanding run of goalscoring form in Croatia. Newcastle are understood to have been monitoring the 24-year-old over recent months, with reports suggesting that the club’s recruitment team have been particularly impressed by what they have seen.

Newcastle have been holding internal discussions about bringing another striker to St James’ Park in January, with Beljo among the players attracting serious attention.

The Magpies were also reportedly represented by scouts at the Stadium of Light last Thursday when Dinamo Zagreb faced Sunderland in the Europa League. Beljo found the net during Dinamo’s impressive 2-0 victory, providing another opportunity for Newcastle’s recruitment department to assess his performances against English opposition.

His numbers this season certainly explain the growing interest.

Beljo has reportedly registered 19 goals and nine assists in 20 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the most productive forwards in European football this season.

His overall record since joining Dinamo Zagreb has also been impressive, having quickly become an important figure for the Croatian giants following his return to his homeland.

Beljo previously experienced spells in Germany with FC Augsburg and Austria with Rapid Vienna. However, his return to Croatian football appears to have brought the best out of him, with his confidence and goalscoring ability developing considerably.

Newcastle’s Need For Another Striker

Newcastle’s interest comes amid growing questions surrounding their attacking options and their ability to provide consistent goals.

The Magpies have struggled for goals during the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign, with their attacking output falling short of expectations.

William Osula and Yoane Wissa have both found opportunities difficult to convert consistently, while Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who arrived towards the end of the summer transfer window, is still adapting to English football and finding his best position.

With Newcastle having allowed Nick Woltemade to leave on loan to Juventus, adding another reliable goalscorer could become an important priority for Jaissle.

The German manager inherited a difficult situation shortly before the beginning of the campaign and January represents his first major opportunity to influence the squad through the transfer market.

Bringing in a striker capable of providing an immediate goalscoring contribution would potentially make a significant difference to Newcastle’s ambitions during the second half of the season.

£20 Million Valuation And Competition For His Signature

Beljo is reportedly valued at approximately £20 million, although reports from Croatia suggest Dinamo Zagreb could demand closer to €30 million before considering his departure.

There is also expected to be competition for his signature, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Brighton, Brentford and Leeds United among the clubs reported to have monitored his situation.

Dinamo Zagreb are understood to be in a strong negotiating position, with Beljo under contract until 2030. Previous interest from other clubs has also demonstrated that they are unlikely to allow one of their most important players to leave cheaply.

Could Beljo Be The January Answer?

For Newcastle, the attraction is understandable. At 24, Beljo fits the profile of a player who could provide both immediate attacking reinforcement and longer-term value.

His physical presence, ability to find the net and impressive recent record make him an interesting proposition for a Newcastle side that needs greater consistency in front of goal.

However, with several clubs monitoring his progress, Newcastle would potentially face a competitive race if they decided to turn their interest into a formal approach.

Nothing has been confirmed regarding an official bid or an agreement between the clubs, but the growing reports of Newcastle’s scouting activity suggest Beljo is certainly a name worth keeping an eye on.

With January approaching, Newcastle supporters could see another Croatian international arriving on Tyneside if the club decides he is the right player to strengthen Jaissle’s attacking options.