Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern are relishing the new Premier League season, what with it looking increasingly likely that manager Rafa Benitez will stay at the club.
The Spaniard did a terrific job in leading the Magpies to tenth place in the English top-flight this term upon their return to the top tier, this all after winning the Championship title little over 12 months ago. And having done so with very little financial help, and question marks over whether funds will be available this summer, there was some concerned Newcastle fans in the Tavern last month, especially when the West Ham job was vacated by David Moyes.
However, Manuel Pellegrini took that job to the delight of our resident Magpies supporters, and as such they are turning their attentions towards the transfer window and as such are likely to be intrigued by recent reports linking their club with a move for Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn.
And while the £2.7 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) would likely be a useful addition to the Magpies squad, he is arguably no better than Ayoze Perez, and as such would surely not solve Newcastle’s creative woes next season.
Ultimately, 24-year-old Perez finished the campaign very strongly to eventually end up with ten goals and four assists in all competitions for Benitez’s side, thus finishing as the club’s top-scorer, and having contributed more goals and assists than any other Newcastle player.
And with 31 chances created over the course of the campaign (only Matt Ritchie with 41 and Jonjo Shelvey with 38 have more), it’s clear that the Spaniard did his bit in helping the Magpies to tenth place in the Premier League this term, and as such any addition to the number ten ranks simply needs to be an upgrade on him – Osborn arguably isn’t.
The 23-year-old came up through the ranks at the City Ground and has since gone on to play 186 times for the East Midlands giants, in which time he has scored 14 goals and laid on 25 assists.
And with four goals and five assists coming this time round for Aitor Karanka’s men, the Englishman enjoyed one of his better seasons in a Forest shirt, but they are hardly ground-breaking numbers, especially given they are at Championship level.
And having never played in the Premier League before, it would be a huge risk for Benitez to place all his trust in the 23-year-old to take up the reins and perform in his attacking unit.
Yes, Osborn has proven his worth as a versatile player this season having played at left back, left midfield, and indeed in a central position, and as such may give Benitez another option in those ranks, but if the Magpies are eyeing the next level, they need to make signings to improve the first team, not just to bolster the squad.
And it’s arguable that Osborn’s arrival wouldn’t strengthen the starting eleven at St James’ Park, and as such the 23-year-old simply wouldn’t be the answer to their creative woes.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
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