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35 goals, 39 games – Newcastle would strike gold by signing this lethal 26-year-old from the MLS

Why Newcastle should take a punt on Josef Martinez in January

According to a report from the Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Atlanta United star, Josef Martinez.

Josef Martinez, 26, has been a goal machine for Atlanta United, scoring 31 goals in 34 games in the 2019 MLS season, having hit 35 goals in 39 games last season. The Venezuelan, who is a former strike partner of Miguel Almiron, has now netted in 15 consecutive matches, an MLS record.

Apart from Newcastle, Everton are also monitoring his progress. However, Newcastle have put him on a list of potential January transfer targets in an effort to boost Steve Bruce’s attack, the report adds.

Newcastle broke its transfer record to land Almiron last season, then smashed it sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim in August. The Magpies have also splashed a lot of money on Allan Saint-Maximin, yet Steve Bruce’s men have been blunt going forward so far this season.

The Toon Army need more quality and depth, especially in the forward department, if they are to beat the drop this season. Joelinton has done a good job since his switch from Hoffenheim, but goals have been to hard flow for him. The same goes for Almiron, who is yet to break his duck for Newcastle.

There is a belief that reuniting Almiron with Josef Martinez could help get the best out of the former. The duo helped fire Atlanta United to the MLS title last term with Almiron’s form winning him the move to St James’ Park back in January.

Having seen Almiron make the move to England and quickly settle down in the Premier League, despite failing to score for Newcastle, Martinez could be tempted for a switch as well.

Martinez has proven that he knows how to find the back of the net. The stocky Venezuelan has the strength to hold off defenders, whilst still possessing the pace required to breeze past them and get in behind to create space for himself and his teammates.

He is a lethal finisher in front of goal and also knows how to create opportunities for his teammates.

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The 26-year-old could help get the best out of Almiron, and having them moving around Joelinton may just give the opposition defenders a torrid time. All in all, Martinez’s flair and clinical finishing would be great for a goal-shy Newcastle side.

Verdict

Martinez is a goal machine that is setting incredible records, even if he is playing in a less competitive MLS. Purely going by his goalscoring record, Newcastle must take a punt on the Venezuelan international in January.