Why Signing Michy Batshuayi Could Elevate Newcastle United’s Chances In The Premier League
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in a January loan move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi. The Magpies were keen to sign him over the summer but the move fell through. However, with the Blues willing to let him leave on loan, Rafa Benitez could look to snap up the player before any other club. The 24-year-old has been starved of playing time under Antonio Conte and at his age, Batshuayi needs all the time on the field to develop his trade further.
He has started just 5 games across all competitions for the Blues’ first-team so far this season, having scored 6 goals in the process. Despite his contribution, Batshuayi seems to be unable to establish himself in the squad and he even had to play in a U21 match, in the Checkatrade Trophy.
It is not a good situation for any striker to be in. One must applaud Batshuayi’s commitment, for having stayed back even after Alvaro Morata joined the club but perhaps it is time for him to move on. Even last season, Batshuayi was iced out in favour of Diego Costa, hence making it necessary for the striker to seek out alternative options.
Given the kind of changes Benitez has made at Newcastle, the club looked quite promising but of late, they seem to have hit a slump in form. They started strongly but they need to regain that form if they are to finish in the top-10. Batshuayi does seem like an upgrade when compared to their present crop of options at the front. The likes of Joselu and Aleksander Mitrovic have failed to live up to their billing, leaving the Magpies in a serious goal drought.
Batshuayi would most certainly relish the thought of acting as the sole striker for Newcastle but Benitez could also consider working out a system fitting in two strikers instead of one. There are a lot of possibilities and this is a deal that could work out in favour of all parties involved. A loan could be ideal considering Benitez will not have much of a financial window in January since the club’s takeover is yet to be finalised.
Over the next summer, depending on how he performs, Benitez could choose to sign him on a permanent basis. However, losing Batshuayi could come as a loss for Chelsea, irrespective of whether Conte sees it or not. The player has been producing results for Chelsea and to lose a committed player like him, will be tough. For Newcastle though, Batshuayi can be the missing piece of their puzzle.