Anton Stach in action with Bayer Leverkusen's Mitchel Bakker
Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up summer moves for Bayer Leverkusen duo Moussa Diaby and Mitchel Bakker.
The Lowdown: Long-term interest
Both Diaby and Bakker are long-term interests at St. James’ Park, with the former reportedly being ‘hotly courted’ by Newcastle since last summer.
The North East club were also reportedly in ‘contact’ over a deal for the latter last summer, and even made a formal offer for him, but a deal never materialised in the end.
The Latest: Newcastle ‘still hot’
Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that the Tynesiders are ‘still hot’ on both Diaby and Bakker, although fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal are also thought to be interested in the former.
The report adds that they also want to sign a ‘younger and better’ option at left-back, with Dan Burn currently filling in that position as a central defender, and 22-year-old Bakker ‘fits the profile’ that they are looking for.
The Verdict: Get both in?
While Diaby would certainly help boost Eddie Howe‘s attacking options, with 17 goal contributions so far this season, Bakker could come in as a new starter at left-back.
He has been described as a more ‘modern’ full-back by Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller, and would offer Howe a more attacking option down the left flank with his ‘strong desire to get forward’:
“Mitchel Bakker combines athletic qualities such as pace and strength in challenges with footballing ability. He is a modern full-back with a strong desire to get forward and he’ll help our team.”
However, the Dutchman has recently been criticised for disciplinary issues, with Bundesliga commentator Derek Rae sharing German news outlet Kicker’s headline of him being unprofessional, after being late three times for training since November:
“Kicker not holding back on Leverkusen’s Mitchel Bakker. Headline is “Footballer by occupation but not a professional.” It scolds Bakker for sleeping late for a 3rd time since Nov & missing the final training session before the win over Hertha.”
Nonetheless, the Magpies will have to weigh up whether Bakker is the kind of character that they would want in their dressing room, but there is no doubt that he would offer them a more attacking option at left-back, and at just 22 years of age, could be a mainstay in the team for years to come, should they be able to get a deal over the line of course.
About the Author
