Three Players Who Would Massively Improve Newcastle United Next Term
Newcastle United need to sign players. It is as simple as that. The Magpies may have been able to win the EFL Championship last season, but the Premier League is a whole new level altogether and for them to maintain their status as a top tier club beyond the coming season, the squad needs some serious reinforcement.
Manager Rafael Benitez recognizes that and has been trying to get deals done, but has been met with failure more often than not. The Tynesiders have just managed to Christian Atsu from Chelsea permanently and have also added French centre-half Florian Lejeune from La Liga club Eibar. While that does represent decent business, more arrivals are imperative if they are to put up a strong fight on their return to the big league.
And here are three players who could massively improve the Newcastle squad, if they are signed before the transfer window shuts.
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s former boy wonder, Jack Wilshere’s career has taken a steep downhill. Once touted as the future captain of England, the 25-year old has suffered badly due to incessant injuries and finds himself in a situation where his future is far from clear.
Wilshere spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and despite starting the campaign on an impressive note, another serious injury cut his season short, for good. His quality has never been in doubt and if he manages to stay fit, he can be an excellent player.
Newcastle lack a playmaker in their ranks, who can sit in behind the striker and pull the strings with neat passes and bedazzling skills. Wilshere can be that man for them, if brought in. The England international has just a year left on his Arsenal contract and there have been no developments over a new deal. Even if he does sign a new deal, it is likely that he could be shipped out on loan again, to build fitness and confidence. The Magpies should look to capitalise on any such possibility and sign him up.
Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
Another Arsenal man on the list, the 27-year old left-back is likely to be let go in the summer, following the arrival of Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke. The fact that he was left out of the squad for the Gunners’ pre-season is a strong indicator that he could be sold and Newcastle need to try and get the Englishman to the St. James’ Park.
Gibbs has been with the Arsenal first-team for many years now, but inconsistency has been a major issue for him throughout his career. However, he has shown that he can cut it out at the top level and will come in with plenty of Premier League and European experience as well.
Many Newcastle supporters see the left-back position as a problem area, with the popular opinion being that Paul Dummett will struggle to make the grade in the top tier. And it is something that will have crossed Benitez’s mind as well. Bringing in an experienced pro like Gibbs, who has played over 200 games for Arsenal and knows the Premier League very well, can prove to be a shrewd addition.
Vincent Aboubakar (Porto)
The 25-year old Cameroonian international was reported to be close to a move to Newcastle United back in June as per reports from The Sun, but there have been no developments since then. Benitez should look to revive his interest in the forward and bring him to the club.
Aboubakar spent last season away on loan at Turkish club Besiktas from his parent club Porto and had a very impressive season, leading the club to the Turkish Super Lig title triumph. He finished the season with 19 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. Aboubakar was also part of the Cameroon national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Apart from Dwight Gayle, Newcastle lack proper firepower in their attack, with the misfiring Aleksandar Mitrovic and the ageing Daryl Murphy. And a new addition to the squad in that position will go a long way in helping the team on their return. The Porto forward is young, has the pace to burn and has proven that he can get goals consistently. He has just a year left on his contract and Newcastle should pounce at the earliest to clinch his transfer.