The Newcastle United fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting to see a handful of new players arrive at the club this summer as Rafa Benitez aims to establish the Magpies as a Premier League club.
Rafa Benitez successfully masterminded Newcastle’s survival bid last season on their return to the top-flight, but his positive work so far will go to waste if he is unable to add quality to his squad this summer. Although the Magpies survived in convincing fashion, they are lacking the necessary strength in depth throughout the squad to ensure they will steer clear of the bottom-three once again next season.
If there’s one thing the Newcastle supporters lining up our bar are fearful of, it’s joining West Bromwich Albion as the second yo-yo team of English football. Mike Ashley’s reluctance or inability to splash the cash in the transfer market is a notable problem for the club, but with a shrewd approach this summer Benitez could bring a handful of quality players to St James’ in bargain deals.
According to the Chronicle Live, Newcastle are keeping tabs on Tottenham’s intriguing young winger Marcus Edwards – a player who was once described as a ‘mini Messi’ by Mauricio Pochettino. The 19-year-old endured a torrid time at Norwich City on loan last season and cut his spell at Carrow Road short due to his failure to settle in East Anglia.
Problems with his attitude and time-keeping have been widely cited as the main reasons for his failure to break into the first-team at Norwich, so there’s no doubt that Edwards would need plenty of guidance both on and off the field if he eventually makes the switch to St James’ Park. Although he would represent a risky acquisition, the fact he is essentially surplus to requirements at Tottenham suggests he will be available at a cut-price deal, so it’s a gamble worth taking for Newcastle this summer.
Edwards’ arrival would put him in direct competition with Matt Ritchie for a starting berth. The Scotland international was a bright spark for the club last season and proved his worth with 3 vital goals in season-defining fixtures against Manchester United, Southampton and Arsenal, but he was relatively unchallenged throughout the campaign. Benitez will be eager to change that next season in order to stimulate further improvement from the right-winger, and the increase in competition for places would certainly force him to step up another level.
With limited experience at just 19-years-of-age it’s unlikely that Edwards will manage to take Ritchie’s place in the imminent future, but Ritchie will need to watch his back following his arrival as
Tottenham’s youth player certainly has the potential to blossom into a devastating prospect in the years to come.
Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
