Newcastle United are ready to make an offer for AS Roma holding midfielder Maxime Gonalons, according to Calciomercato.
With Steve Bruce having been confirmed as the club’s new head coach, it is likely Newcastle will begin moving forward with their transfer business.
It seems as though the Frenchman could be among the first to come to St. James’ Park under Bruce, according to the report.
Gonalons was plagued by injury while on loan with Sevilla last season, starting five games and coming on as a substitute for five more in the entire season.
He was steady defensively, but not outstanding, as the Frenchman recorded 0.8 tackles (per WhoScored), 0.5 interceptions, 1 clearance and 0.4 blocks per game.
To put this into context, Isaac Hayden made 2.9 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.1 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game, while making fewer fouls and being dribbled past less times than Gonalons – with blocks the only defensive trait Gonalons’ statistics were superior in.
The Frenchman was mildly better than Hayden with his passing in that he made more during a game (28.8 to 33.3) at a higher success rate (79.4% to 82.6%), but considering the role they will be playing, it is hard to argue that makes up for his lesser ability defensively to that of the Englishman.
This looks like Newcastle looking for another cheap player to bring in, rather than pushing the boat out and trying to sign someone exciting. Mo Diame has obviously departed which leaves a hole in the midfield though Sean Longstaff is free of the injury that ruled him out for the end of the season and Kyle Scott has also been linked with a move to Tyneside.
Scott has been described (per Football.London) as a tough-tackling midfielder himself and perhaps a move for a younger option makes more sense than spending money on a 30-year-old right now.
Newcastle fans, do you trust Bruce in the transfer market? Join the discussion by commenting below…
