If latest reports are to be believed, Newcastle United are in the final stages of acquiring the signature of Chelsea’s Christian Atsu on a permanent basis for a deal which is believed to be around the vicinity of £6m in the upcoming transfer window. Atsu was signed by the Magpies in the summer of 2016 on loan from the Blues and he inked quite a decent spell ever since his move to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United have carved an immediate return to the Premier League by breezing splendidly more often than not under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez and even won the Championship silverware by leapfrogging past Brighton & Hove Albion right at the end of the campaign. The spirits and emotions are all charged up and it is about time to look forward towards facing the animosity which the Premier League has on offer and Benitez is taking a right step by attempting to lure Atsu on a long-term basis to the Tyneside-based outfit.
During his loan spell with the Geordies, the Ghana international accumulated 32 appearances to his name in the English second division, wherein he banged 5 goals and registered 3 assists with an excellent passing accuracy of 81%. Despite taking a bit of time while settling himself in, Atsu proved to be a vital cog in the tactical nous of the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss who masterminded Newcastle United’s promotion. The 25-year-old is a player having all the ingredients to succeed and it is relishing seeing him getting acknowledged by the black and white crops.
Atsu boasts of explosive pace and his excellent versatility of plying his trade on either wing. He gets past the defenders with relative ease, constricts a fine pedestal for himself to launch his crosses and strives to find the man inside the box with them. Besides, he frequently tests the opposition goalkeeper and has an exemplary control over the ball despite his blistering runs and these are some of the main reasons why he is fondly talked about amongst the football fraternity.
Chelsea are spoilt for choice owing to the plethora of stars they have at their disposal and at this hour of his career, Atsu should be keen to find regular game time under his belt (something which is hardly possible if he stays at the Stamford Bridge). A move to the ranks of the Toons, permanently this time around, must appeal him and benefit all the parties involved in the transfer.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
