Newcastle United Opinion: Why the Magpies should go for Andreas Samaris

According to a report from the Sky Sports, Newcastle United were in talks with Benfica over a loan move for Andreas Samaris in the January transfer window. However, a transfer didn’t materialise and the Greek midfielder stayed with Benfica.

Andreas Samaris, 29, was sporadically used in the first half of this season but after the turn of the year, he has started nine consecutive league games for Benfica. Even though the 29-year-old has shone in 2019, there hasn’t been any talks of an extension of his contract that expires in June.

Hence, it makes the Greece international potentially available on a free transfer this summer and Newcastle United must take full advantage of the situation by snapping him up.

The Magpies clearly need reinforcements, especially in central midfield. Mohamed Diame remains in the final months of his current deal and despite closing in on 100 appearances, he hasn’t been offered a new contract.

Jonjo Shelvey has struggled with injury problems throughout this season, managing just 13 Premier League appearances. Meanwhile, Isaac Hayden is keen to return south to be nearer his family.

If Newcastle lose Diame on a free transfer and Hayden leaves St. James’ Park this summer, Rafael Benitez will be left with a handful of options in central midfield.

That would make someone like Andreas Samaris such an excellent signing for the Magpies. He’ll provide quality to the squad as well as add depth in the middle of the park. He is also quite experienced at the international stage having represented Greece in 34 matches, scoring one goal for them so far.

At 29, Samaris is already in the peak years of his career and operating at a very high level in Benfica colours. He primarily functions as a holding midfielder but can also feature in central defence when required.

The Greece international is adept at picking a pass from 30 yards out and can unlock the most rigid of defences using his eye for a killer pass.

The former Olympiacos man is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, as well as calmness and composure in possession and ability to dictate the tempo of the game from a deep position in the middle of the park.

Verdict

Noted for his positional awareness, energy, work-rate and leadership qualities, Samaris should be an absolute no-brainer for Newcastle ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

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The Greek enforcer can certainly prove to be an influential signing and Benitez should go all out in his pursuit of the 29-year-old in the summer.