Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern are relishing the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with their team seeking to build upon their impressive tenth place finish last time round.
Rafa Benitez’s men deserve great credit for securing a top half finish upon return to the top tier last term, that all after winning the Championship title just 12 months previous. However, for the Magpies to move to the next level and perhaps back towards their former glories, it’s clear that reinforcements will be needed over the summer, but whether manager Benitez is indeed given the funds to make those signings remains to be seen.
Nonetheless, there are many excited and expectant Magpies supporters in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports suggesting that it might take £20 million to lure Kenedy away from Chelsea this summer.
And with many of our resident Newcastle fans not holding their breath that owner Mike Ashley will indeed stump up that cash, they should be ready to forget about him and instead target a loan move for his £13.5 million-rated Blues teammate Kurt Zouma (as per Transfermarkt).
Ultimately, Newcastle haven’t broken their transfer record for 13 long years, with the £16 million they spent on luring Michael Owen away from Real Madrid back in 2005 remaining the most they have ever shelled out on a player.
And despite the inflated prices being banded about nowadays, Ashley is unlikely to change his ways now and thus unlikely to be willing to part with £20 million for Kenedy, regardless of how influential he was for the North East heavyweights last term.
As such, a cheaper loan deal for 23-year-old Zouma should be eyed by the Newcastle hierarchy, as the talented defender would add a great deal of quality to the Magpies backline ahead of the new season.
The versatile Blues defender spent last season on loan at Stoke City and, although the Potters were relegated from the Premier League, Zouma was one of a few bright sparks to emerge from an otherwise horrendous campaign at the bet365 Stadium.
He earned 34 league appearances for the Potters and proved his credentials at both centre back and indeed right back, which is sure to be of interest to manager Benitez as he likely eyes further defensive reinforcements.
Both Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune have been linked with moves away this summer, which could leave Benitez well short in the centre back department, while some of our resident Newcastle fans aren’t entirely convinced with DeAndre Yedlin at right back – Zouma’s arrival would bolster both areas.
Obviously, the uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation at Chelsea means that the 23-year-old’s future at the club is far from clear, but Newcastle must seek to ask the question, as there is little doubting that Zouma’s arrival would boost the Magpies ranks.
And with question marks over whether owner Ashley will splash out £20 million on Kenedy, and many Magpies fans seemingly knowing the answer already, Newcastle should be ready to forget about him and instead target a loan move for his Blues teammate Zouma this summer.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
