Newcastle United have wasted no time in returning to the top-flight English football and in a way, which looks extremely promising. Rafael Benitez’s men stole the Championship title on a dramatic last day of the season when a late blunder by Brighton & Hove Albion toppled the Seagulls from the throne.
Rafael Benitez will have numerous things to prove in the Premier League next season. Many had criticised his decision to stay with a second-tier Newcastle side last season, and his managerial prowess would come under large scanners now. The Spaniard had a detailed transfer planning at the beginning of last season, which saw some 12 players coming in and going out of the side; and a similar occurrence is expected this time.
Newcastle United have had a comparatively young back line, which looked sufficient in the Championship, but Benitez would have good knowledge how much can inexperience cost in the Premier League. And according to reports, Newcastle United have now joined the race for Hull City’s Harry Maguire.
The Tigers got a major blow last weekend as a relegated Sunderland side thrashed them 2-0 at their backyard. Marco Silva has a huge challenge on his hands now as their survival doesn’t completely depend on them. Maguire has been one of the revelations this season at the back and staying with Hull would be a step backwards.
And with many top sides like Everton and Tottenham Hotspur willing to land him, Newcastle would obviously be a second preference standing among them in the queue. However, it will be the lure of Benitez that can help the Magpies win the race.
With midfielder, Eric Dier called into action in the central defence enormous times at the back this season owing to Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld’s injury and Kevin Wimmer’s rather underwhelming display, Spurs would have been spineless without Dier’s solidity at the back. And Maguire’s assuring presence with his towering frame guarding the post could be a wise addition.
A youth product of Championship side Barnsley, Maguire moved to his hometown club, Sheffield United, on 2009. A couple of impressive stints there and he broke into the first team in just two years. He gained immense popularity there and ultimately caught Hull’s attention in 2014.
The Tigers bought him for a petty £2.5million, and he was sent to a brief loan stint with Wigan Athletic. He broke into Hull’s first team when Hull got promoted in the top tier in 2015. He has since been Hull’s first choice at the back with his disciplined defending and big frame. He is very domineering in the air and wins 81% of the aerial duels.
Maguire’s contract with Hull expires in 2018 and he is unlikely to sign an extension given the Tiger’s present stature and his huge demand. He could make Newcastle unbreakable standing alongside Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles.
