Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with their team seeking to improve upon their impressive tenth place finish last time round.
Rafa Benitez’s men deserve huge credit for securing a top half finish in the top tier upon their return last season, what with it just 12 months previous that the Magpies clinched the Championship title. However, it was still a struggle at times for the North East giants to suggest that some areas of the squad will need improving over the summer if former Chelsea and Liverpool boss Benitez is to indeed take the club forward, and perhaps back towards their former glories.
And one man who could be on his way to St James’ Park is Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, with recent reports suggesting that the 22-year-old target has an £18 million release clause in his contract.
And while the Spain Under-21 international performed well for Boro last time round in the Championship, there is no doubt that spending £18 million on the wing wizard would be a huge risk, and as such Newcastle must think twice about doing so.
Ultimately, Traore enjoyed a fine campaign in the second tier last term in netting five goals and laying on ten assists in 36 Championship appearances for Tony Pulis’ side, helping the Teessiders to a top six finish but failing to inspire them to promotion via the play-offs.
However, last season finally saw the 22-year-old translate his undoubted talent and ability into direct contributions in the final third of the pitch, as the young winger certainly showcased his talents in the Premier League the campaign before, but had little to show for his efforts.
Traore finished the 2016/17 season with no goals and just one assist from 27 Premier League appearances, this all despite him often being the club’s go-to man when they sought the inspiration they needed in the attacking area of the field (there’s no real surprise that Boro didn’t score the goals needed to stay in the division).
And this inability to transfer his ability into meaningful contributions in the top-flight, despite a step in the right direction last term in the Championship, has to be of concern to Newcastle boss Benitez, who will surely have reservations over whether he can trust the 22-year-old to produce the goods.
While Matt Ritchie is arguably not as dynamic down the flanks as Traore, the Scotland international has a wicked delivery and will consistently cause problems and create chances – the same simply cannot be said of Traore.
Yes, there is no doubting that the Spaniard has incredible ability and potential, but £18 million would be a huge risk – after all, that would break Newcastle’s transfer record of 13 long years, and as such could be spent on someone slightly more reliable in the final third of the pitch.
Thus, the Magpies simply must think twice about meeting Traore’s reported £18 million release clause, as any deal for that price would be a big risk.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
