Fans all around St James’ Park are pleasantly surprised at just how well Rafa Benitez has got his team playing.
After three wins in succession, Newcastle are in fine fettle and are looking up, rather than down towards the dreaded drop zone.
There was a distinct, toxic feel around the club just three games ago after barely any action in the summer transfer window led to Newcastle having to wait 11 games for their first win in the Premier League.
Now though, as unlikely as it remains, Mike Ashley has the chance to financially back his manager in the transfer market during the month of January, where signing a left-back could be a fine idea.
Shakhtar’s Brazilian star Ismaily would be a great choice as he could prove to be far better than Paul Dummett.
Ismaily, who is valued at £9.9 million on Transfermarkt, is a player growing in confidence with age. Whilst 28 now, the Brazilian left-back has been a massively important player for Shakhtar this season, stepping up with two goals and seven assists, as well as helping towards eight clean-sheets in 20 appearances.
Even though Paul Dummett has been a massively important player himself, Newcastle could make improvements and recruiting Ismaily would do just that.
The 28-year-old can also play further forward as a left-midfielder, something that may be very useful for Newcastle to utilise.
With the experience Ismaily possesses having been a regular in the Champions League with the Ukrainian league side and won a number of titles with them, Newcastle will no longer have to entrust the likes of Javier Manquillo to swap over to left-back.
Do you agree this is a good deal… Let us know!
