If the recent months have proven anything, it’ll be a monumental task for Newcastle United to replace Isaac Hayden’s presence in midfield.
Jonjo Shelvey might’ve made that final leap to save his career at Tyneside in the final game of the season, yet there’s no forgetting Hayden needs to be replaced with someone prominent.
The Magpies need to sign a powerful midfielder, who can bully opposition, assert their authority and also be productive going forward. Despite his questionable future, Rafa Benitez is still mulling over options and according to reports from the Chronicle, Newcastle are interested in Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko.
After a disastrous debut season in the Premier League, the Frenchman’s been quite impressive for AC Milan in Serie A. Indeed, believe it or not, he’s given put in some emphatic performances, acting like a dominative midfield general on multiple occasions. However, a spark of good form in Italy shouldn’t goad the Magpies into wasting what would be big money (either transfer fee or loan wages) on the midfielder.
Everyone knows just how poor he was the last time he played in England. Bakayoko couldn’t cope with the intensity of the games, being overrun, outworked and looking absolutely clueless for Chelsea. Unlike Hayden, he ends up crumbling under pressure, while also being extremely temperamental.
Bakayoko’s inconsistency won’t allow Newcastle to progress much next season. A player with a moody attitude, he could cause internal problems with his snobbish behaviour as well. Rather than shelling so much on an unproven superstar, the Magpies should scout better and be more economical with signing an industrial midfielder to help fill Hayden’s void.
Newcastle fans, would you be willing to replace Hayden with Bakayoko in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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