How good would Newcastle United be had they been able to hold onto Andros Townsend? The now Crystal Palace ace departed St. James’ Park for a fee of £13 million after their relegation at the end of the 2015/16 season, and if he’d stuck it out he would be the perfect man to step in now and replace the potentially departing Matt Ritchie.
Newcastle fans would love to have Townsend back at the club now. When he was at Newcastle, his short half-season spell was impressive from a personal standpoint, even if the season ended in the ultimate disappointment of relegation for the club. Now, though, the winger has many more strings to his bow and can help out at the back as well as going forward for the Eagles.
The Geordies have moved on from Townsend since his exit over three years ago. Now back in the Premier League, the Magpies have been able to rely upon the likes of Ayoze Perez, Miguel Almiron and Salomon Rondon to provide their attacking flair and firepower and it’s certainly working for Rafa Benitez and co. That doesn’t mean Townsend wouldn’t be a quality addition though.
Matt Ritchie is the man who has been featuring on the left-wing that Townsend would be on and whilst the Scot is full of fight, desire and passion, he just lacks the pace, dynamism and end product that Townsend provides. This season alone the Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate has scored six and assisted five goals for the Eagles, including an absolute banger that should be voted goal of the season in the coming days.
That kind of brilliance would be welcomed with open arms at Newcastle, and should he ever decide that he has unfinished business in the Northeast the Magpies would love to have him back. Until then, the 27-year-old will be working his magic in the capital for Crystal Palace, where he endears himself to Selhurst Park more and more with every top performance.
Toon fans, what are your standout memories of Townsend? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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