Newcastle United fans here in the Tavern are hoping to secure another season in the Premier League, as relegation straight back to the Championship is still a worry for many.
The Magpies have been struggling for form over the past couple of months with only one win in their last seven Premier League matches, a stat that now sees Newcastle only two points off the dreaded relegation zone. Indeed, Rafa Benitez has done his best to rally his troops at the most desperate of times, but many of our local northerners are really starting to rue the Spaniard’s decision to bring Islam Slimani to St James’ Park during the January transfer window.
However, it appears as if the club are looking to improve on their recent transfer window woes, with reports in the Chronicle Live suggesting that Newcastle United are favourites to sign £900k-rated veteran Iker Casillas. Indeed, there’s no doubt that the 36-year-old will go down as one of the best ‘keepers in the history of world football, but bringing his ageing body to St James’ Park just doesn’t seem to be a sensible move for the Magpies.
Therefore, here’s a look at TWO reasons as to why signing Casillas would be Newcastle United’s biggest transfer mistake in years…
Salary issues
Newcastle United have experienced a number of problems on the transfer front this season, as Mike Ashley’s stubbornness continues to anger many of our local residents.
However, the real issue when it comes down to a possible move for Iker Casillas is his wage demands, with the ‘keeper potentially causing for financial troubles on Tyneside as current club FC Porto’s highest earner. Indeed, with the 36-year-old coming to the end of his footballing career it’s unlikely that he’ll want to take a pay cut, which could see the Magpies make him their highest earner.
Therefore, this would be the biggest transfer mistake made by the club in recent years, to invest such a large sum of money into a goalkeeper that they may only be able to secure for one or two seasons.
Martin Dubravka
Newcastle United signed Martin Dubravka on loan from Czech outfit AC Sparta Prague in the January transfer window, in a move that’s seen the Slovakian become the Magpies’ first-choice goalkeeper.
Indeed, having seen the brilliant performances that Dubravka has produced since joining the club, there’s no need to look elsewhere for a goalkeeper in the transfer window. And, with the option to make his move a permanent one in the summer months, a £4 million fee for the 29-year-old looks a far more attractive proposition with plenty of years still ahead of him.
Therefore, Newcastle should avoid making their biggest transfer mistake in recent years, by taking up the option of a permanent deal for their loan star.
