Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with their team seeking to improve upon their tenth place finish last time round.
Rafa Benitez’s men only returned to the top-flight 12 months ago after winning the Championship title, but they produced a mightily impressive effort in 2017/18 to eventually finish tenth in the table, 11 points clear of the bottom three. However, it’s clear from their limitations over the course of the campaign that reinforcements will be needed over the summer if Benitez is to take the club forward this term, and indeed back to its former glories.
As such, there are many excited and expectant Magpies supporters in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be interested by recent reports linking Southampton with left back Jordan Lukaku.
And these fresh reports should prompt Benitez’s side to make a move for target Ryan Bertrand, valued at £18 million by Transfermarkt, as they seek the additions they need to challenge for European football this season.
Ultimately, while Newcastle deserve enormous credit for their efforts last time round, many of our resident Magpies fans believe that upgrades are needed in the full back department, as although both DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett performed solidly last term, they were nothing more than solid.
And if the North East giants are to reach the next level, they ideally need full backs that are adventurous down the flanks and offer an attacking threat, at the same time retaining defensive discipline and adeptness – Bertrand is that defender.
The England international, unfortunate to miss out on Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, has shown to be one of the best full backs, and indeed wing backs, in the Premier League in recent seasons, hence he was well in contention for a spot in England’s squad for Russia.
The 28-year-old, formerly of Chelsea, moved to Southampton back in 2014 and has since gone on to make 147 appearances for the Saints, netting six goals and laying on 18 assists along the way.
Yes, last term wasn’t his best and perhaps was the reason why he is not in Southgate’s squad, but one mustn’t forget the consistently high-level performances he produced for the South Coast outfit in the years previous – he is certainly an upgrade on Dummett.
And with Southampton reportedly keen on Lukaku, brother of Manchester United striker Romelu, it could suggest that they are indeed preparing for Bertrand’s exit this summer, or indeed opening the door for someone to make a move – Newcastle must do just that.
Thus, with the Saints eyeing up Lukaku, Newcastle must seek to capitalise by making a move for the 28-year-old, who’d without doubt be an upgrade on current Toon left back Dummett.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
