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Newcastle signing their 26-year-old former target could turn out to be a massive coup

Why Newcastle should make a move for Valon Berisha in January

Back in June 2018, Valon Berisha had confirmed in an interview with Norwegian TV station TV2 (h/t the Chronicle) that Newcastle United were interested in signing him. But a transfer never happened and the midfielder swapped Red Bull Salzburg for Lazio in the summer of 2018.

Valon Berisha, 26, endured an injury-hit debut season with Lazio that limited him to just 14 games. The Kosovo international has been hit with injuries this season as well and is currently out with a hamstring problem. Regardless of his injury problems since arriving at Lazio, Newcastle United must take a gamble on the midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

Newcastle United have blown hot and cold throughout the season and find themselves placed 14th on the table (at the time of writing). They have struggled to score goals under Steve Bruce, with just 13 scored in 14 Premier League games. Joelinton has looked out of sorts for some time now, while Yoshinori Muto remains out of favour.

Valon Berisha in action for Lazio. (Getty Images)
Valon Berisha in action for Lazio. (Getty Images)

Miguel Almiron is yet to score a goal for the Magpies since arriving from Atlanta United in January, although his assist to Jetro Willems in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Saturday should give him a lot of confidence ahead of a busy schedule.

Nevertheless, one cannot deny the fact that Newcastle need a potent goalscorer to complement Joelinton. Furthermore, they also could do well with a creative midfielder who can link the midfield and the attack.

Since Ayoze Perez’s summer departure to Leicester City, the Toon Army have lacked a bit of flair and creativity in the final third. Keeping that in mind, the Magpies must rekindle their interest in Berisha and attempt to sign him from Lazio.

Berisha enjoyed six fantastic seasons with RB Salzburg, helping the club win the Austrian League twice and the Austrian Cup. The 2017/18 campaign is the best in his career so far, with the midfielder netting 13 goals in 45 appearances for Salzburg.

Injuries haven’t allowed him to make a telling impact at Lazio but his time in Austria should give us an idea as to what he can bring to Newcastle.

The Kosovan international’s consistent performances at Salzburg earned him a lot of plaudits and he truly deserves a chance to prove his credentials in the Premier League even if he has failed to deliver in the Serie A. Berisha is also a very versatile player, capable of doing a job on the right flank, attacking midfield and in central midfield.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce discussing with Jonjo Shelvey and Jetro Willems against West Ham. (Getty Images)
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce discussing with Jonjo Shelvey and Jetro Willems against West Ham. (Getty Images)

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Verdict

It doesn’t require a rocket scientist to figure out that Newcastle, who have found themselves bereft of ideas in the final third, could do well with someone like Berisha in their attack. Plus, the 26-year-old would also improve Bruce’s squad significantly.

If Berisha can keep himself fit and instantly hit the ground running in the Premier League, the Kosovan could turn out to be a massive coup for Bruce’s side.